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 * Essay Prompt**: Write an essay collaboratively in which you describe the similarities and differences between the three monarchs: Peter the Great, Maria Theresa and Frederick II (Frederick the Great). Be sure to include an introductory paragraph, conclusion and at least 2 body paragraphs. Also, include at least **one primary source**.

Gabe Zabatta, Julia Walsh, Michelle Finlay

During the 17th and 18th centuries Europe had many Absolute Monarchs. Three of the major monarchs are: Maria Theresa of Austria, Fredrick II of Prussia and Peter the Great of Russia. Even though they were three different people they had many similarities, but as I said before they are three different people so they also had many differences.

These three monarchs have some similarities. Some of them are that they were all expanded empires. Peter the Great, from Russia, expanded his empire to the Baltic Sea territory, and Sweden. Fredrick II, from Prussia, had territory scattered all over Germany, and Maria Theresa, from Austria, had some of Germany, Magyars, and Slavs. The three rulers also came from powerful families. Peter the Great’s family name was Rovanov. Fredrick II’s was Hohenzollern. Last was Maria Theresa’s was Hapsburg. They all also strengthened their countries and fought against other countries in various wars. These absolute monarchs also all ran into some difficulties. Russia’s was that they were beaten in a war, and some of their people did not want to change their lifestyles. Prussia’s was that the ruler was despised by his father, also that Austria succeeded them. And last, Austria’s was that Maria Theresa was the first female ruler.

In Prussia, Austria and Russia, there were rulers who differed greatly when compared to one another. In Austria, Maria Theresa, a woman, brought great strength to her nation as well as helping the peasants and middle class of her society. A famous quote that Maria Theresa said to her country, "while other nations do battle, you lucky Austria, you wed." In Prussia, the Hohenzollern family, consisting of Fredrick I and his son Fredrick II, ruled scattered part of Germany, rather than having a strong, defined territory. Though he succeeded in the War of Spanish Succession and helped to expand his country’s empire, he despised his father which influenced his attitude toward ruling. In Russia, the Romanov family had Peter the Great who, though was defeated by other countries, managed to obtain new territory along the Baltic Sea through strengthening his army.

The absolute monarchs of Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries shared many aspects of ruling, but also differed in some ways. One monarch was a woman, one despised by his father, and one known as “the great”. But all three were considered successful rulers and can attribute that honor to all the same strategies and level of dedication to their countries.