Friedrich “The Great Elector” of Brandenburg (1620-1688)

The founder of the Prussian ascendancy, father of King Friedrich 1st. He was a staunch pillar of the Calvinist faith, associated with the rising commercial class. He saw the importance of trade and promoted it vigorously. His reforms set up Prussia a strong position for elevation from duchy to kingdom, which was achieved under his son and successor. He was also a military leader of wide renown, and his standing army would later become the model for the Prussian Army. He is notable for his joint victory with Swedish forces at the Battle of Warsaw. He is noted also for his use of broad directives and delegation of decision-making to his commanders which would later become the basis for the German doctrine doctrine "Auftragstaktik. He is further noted for using rapid mobility to defeat is foes.