Friedrich Wilhelm von Grumbkow facts for kids
Friedrich Wilhelm von Grumbkow (born October 4, 1678 – died March 18, 1739) was a very important person in Prussia. He was a top military general, called a Generalfeldmarschall, and also a powerful politician, or statesman.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Friedrich Wilhelm von Grumbkow was born in Berlin. His father, Joachim Ernst von Grumbkow, was a high-ranking minister in Brandenburg-Prussia. Friedrich Wilhelm received his education in France.
He joined the military and fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. He took part in the famous Battle of Malplaquet. During this time, he rose through the ranks and became a Generalmajor, which is a major general.
Working for King Frederick William I
King Frederick William I of Prussia trusted Grumbkow a lot. The King made him a member of his special council, the Privy Council. He also put Grumbkow in charge of the Generalkriegskommissariat, which was like the main war office.
Grumbkow became very influential in both the military and the government's money matters. He helped King Frederick William I make Prussia more modern and efficient.
Improving Prussia's Government
Grumbkow made big improvements to how Prussia collected taxes. These changes were very important. They helped settle new lands and improved how towns were run.
In 1723, a new government department was created called the General Directory of War and Finance. Grumbkow became the head of its first main section. In 1737, he was promoted to the highest military rank, Generalfeldmarschall.
A Royal Family Dispute
Grumbkow played a role in a disagreement within the royal family. He advised King Frederick William I against a marriage for the Crown Prince Frederick. The King wanted his son to marry a princess from the House of Hanover.
Grumbkow's advice was influenced by the Austrian ambassador in Berlin. This deepened the disagreements between King Frederick William and his son, Frederick.
The King's Trust in Grumbkow
Even though Grumbkow sometimes acted in ways that benefited other countries, King Frederick William I still relied on him. The King knew Grumbkow was very effective. He once wrote that Grumbkow could get more done in an hour than others could in three. The King valued Grumbkow's ability to handle difficult tasks.
Later Life and Legacy
Eventually, Crown Prince Frederick and Grumbkow became friends. Frederick even called him "the Cassubian" because of his family's roots in Pomerania.
Friedrich Wilhelm von Grumbkow died in Berlin in 1739. This was just over a year before King Frederick William I passed away.
See also
In Spanish: Friedrich Wilhelm von Grumbkow para niños
