Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Christian August |
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Portrait of Christian August by Antoin Pesne, 1725
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| Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst | |
| Reign | 7 November 1742 – 16 March 1747 |
| Predecessor | John Augustus |
| Successor | Frederick Augustus |
| Co-monarch | John Louis II |
| Born | 29 November 1690 Dornburg, Principality of Anhalt-Dornburg |
| Died | 16 March 1747 (aged 56) Zerbst |
| Spouse |
Joanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp
(m. 1727) |
| Issue Among others… |
Catherine II of Russia Frederick Augustus, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst Peter, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst |
| House | Ascania |
| Father | John Louis I, Prince of Anhalt-Dornburg |
| Mother | Christine Eleonore of Zeutsch |
Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst (born November 29, 1690, in Dornburg – died March 16, 1747, in Zerbst) was a German prince. He belonged to the House of Ascania, a noble family. He is most famous for being the father of Catherine the Great of Russia.
Christian August ruled the small state of Anhalt-Dornburg. Later, from 1742, he became a ruler of the larger Principality of Anhalt-Zerbst. He was also a very high-ranking military leader in Prussia, known as a Generalfeldmarschall.
Contents
Life Story of Christian August
Christian August was the third son of John Louis I, Prince of Anhalt-Dornburg. His mother was Christine Eleonore of Zeutsch. When his father passed away in 1704, Christian August and his brothers shared the rule of Anhalt-Dornburg.
Starting a Military Career
In 1709, Christian August joined an army regiment in Prussia. This regiment was based in a city called Stettin. He quickly showed his skills and was promoted. In 1711, he received a special award for bravery. This award was first called the De la Générosité, but later changed its name to Pour le Mérite.
Christian August continued to rise through the ranks. By 1713, he was a lieutenant-colonel. He fought in several important wars, including the Spanish War of Succession. In 1714, he became the leader of his regiment. Just two years later, in 1716, he was made a colonel. By 1721, he had become a major-general.
Reaching High Ranks
In 1729, Christian August was put in charge of the city of Stettin. He also became a knight of the important Order of the Black Eagle. This was a very respected honor. He continued to gain higher military ranks. In 1732, he became a lieutenant-general. By 1741, he was an infantry general.
On June 5, 1741, he was named the Governor of Stettin. The next year, in 1742, King Frederick II of Prussia gave him the highest military honor. Christian August was made a Generalfeldmarschall, which means he was a top military commander.
Becoming Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst
A few months later, his cousin, John Augustus, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, passed away without any children. This meant Christian August and his older brother, John Louis II, became the new rulers of Anhalt-Zerbst. They ruled together.
Christian August stayed in Stettin because of his military duties. His brother, John Louis II, managed the government in Zerbst. However, his brother died just four years later, also without children. So, Christian August had to leave Stettin and return to Zerbst. He ruled Anhalt-Zerbst for only four months before his own death.
Marriage and Family
On November 8, 1727, Christian August married Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. She was the daughter of Prince Christian August of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp. Her brother later became King Adolf Frederick of Sweden.
Christian August and Johanna Elisabeth had five children:
- Sophie Auguste Fredericka (born May 2, 1729 – died November 17, 1796). She later became the famous Catherine II the Great, Empress of Russia.
- William Christian Frederick (born November 17, 1730 – died August 27, 1742).
- Frederick Augustus (born August 8, 1734 – died March 3, 1793).
- Auguste Christine Charlotte (born November 10, 1736 – died November 24, 1736).
- Elisabeth Ulrike (born December 17, 1742 – died March 5, 1745).
