Birth, Death , and who he took over power from
Frederick II was born on January 24, 1712, in Berlin, Germany. He inherited the Prussian throne in 1740 and established control of Silesia in 1745. The Seven Years' War threatened to destroy Prussia's status, but ended with Silesia still in Frederick's control. During his time on the throne, Frederick increased Prussia's territories and military power. He died in 1786.