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from Candide by Voltaire
Enrichment: Frederick the Great
In Voltaire’s time, the present-day nation of Germany consisted of several nation-states,
including Prussia in the north. Under Frederick II, Prussia’s king from 1740 to 1786, Prussia
became the most powerful of these German states. Frederick’s military conquests enlarged his
kingdom; his clever economic management made it prosper. These achievements earned him
the name Frederick the Great.
An able military commander, Frederick strengthened his nation’s military and took personal
interest in the troops. His wars brought him in and out of several alliances, but his chief rival
was Austria, whom he battled for dominance of the German states and nearby areas of eastern
Europe. By the end of his reign, Prussia was about the equal of Austria in power and prestige.
Frederick’s interests extended to the arts and sciences, in which he was well versed. As a
young man, he had studied music, literature, and philosophy, as well as military affairs and
statecraft. After becoming king, he worked to make Prussia a cultural center and was especially
supportive of scientific achievement and agricultural reform.
In spite of his nationalism, Frederick considered the German tongue inferior and spoke
French at court, as was customary among most European royalty. A great admirer of French
literature, he began a youthful correspondence with Voltaire and later invited the famous writer
to his court. Voltaire spent several years there before quarreling with Frederick and leaving
Prussia.
DIRECTIONS: Answer these questions based on what you read above and in Candide.
1. Which details in Candide suggest that Voltaire shared in the then-prevalent prejudice
against the German language and culture?
2. What does Voltaire seem to think of Frederick’s military expansion? Cite details from
Candide to support your answer.
3. Compare and contrast Frederick’s background with the education Candide seems to receive.
4. How might Frederick have reacted to Candide? Why?
Unit 6 Resources: Rebirth and Exploration
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