Der Alte Fritz: Rendition of a Prussian King in Contemporary German Society

Presenter Information

Alyssa Roushar, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

10-4-2018 2:00 PM

End Date

10-4-2018 3:30 PM

Student's Major

World Languages and Cultures

Student's College

Arts and Humanities

Mentor's Name

Nadja Kramer

Mentor's Department

World Languages and Cultures

Mentor's College

Arts and Humanities

Description

This presentation looks at the well-known Prussian King Frederick the Great (1712-1786) who ruled his German kingdom from 1740-1786 which is the longest reign of any Hohenzollern king. Frederick is associated with an enhanced militarism, by winning wars and expanding territories, and establishing Prussia as an entity of strong military power. Considering the damaged German past during World War I and II especially by the devastating Nazi force, these are not desirable qualities. Yet still, he is pedestalized in present-day Germany. Why is this? How is he represented in modern, unified Germany- specifically in Berlin, his place of residence? What is his influence in society today? The project provides insight into the representation of Frederick in modern Germany society through monuments and how his memory is kept alive.