Prussian (Civ3)/Civilopedia

The rise of Prussia as a European power during the 18th century took many by surprise. Under the noble
statesmanship of the “Great Elector” Frederick William, and military headsman Frederick the Great, Prussia
expanded its holdings to include not only Berlin and a province east of Danzig, but Silesia which it wrested
from Austria; Pomerania from the Swedes; and a choice strip of land from the Poles that connected East Prussia
to Brandenburg. They also acquired Cleves-Geldres of the lower Rhine, Emden, Mark, and two duchies in southern
Germany. Yet, despite these territorial gains, Prussia remained a relatively poor nation, whose resources were primarily dedicated to the betterment of its army. 
During the French Revolution, Prussia tried to remain noncommittal. But by 1806, having lost much of its
territories to a relentless Napoleon and his unwavering Imperial Guard, Prussia entered the Fourth Coalition
and never looked back. Some badly needed military reforms helped bolster its power, and in 1815, the new
Prussian army (under the enigmatic leadership of Gebhard von Blucher) helped the British bring a final
end to Napoleon’s reign.