Frederick William III of Prussia

Frederick William III led Prussia into war against Napoleon. The Prussian army was decisively defeated at the twin battles of Jena and Auerstedt. The defeat was catastrophic, leading to the collapse of the Prussian state, the occupation of Berlin, and the flight of the royal family to East Prussia.

In response to the defeat, Frederick William III supported a series of reforms led by Stein, Hardenberg, Scharnhorst, and Gneisenau. These included the abolition of serfdom, municipal self-government, military reorganization, and educational reform. The reforms modernized Prussia and laid the foundation for its recovery.

After the defeat at Jena, Frederick William III was forced to sign the Treaty of Tilsit with Napoleon. Prussia lost half of its territory, including all lands west of the Elbe, and was forced to pay huge indemnities and reduce its army to 42,000 men. Prussia became a French satellite state.

After Napoleon's disastrous Russian campaign, Frederick William III joined the Sixth Coalition against France. The Prussian army played a key role in the War of Liberation, culminating in the Battle of Leipzig. This restored Prussia's status as a major European power and led to territorial gains at the Congress of Vienna.

Frederick William III was represented at the Congress of Vienna, which redrew the map of Europe after Napoleon's defeat. Prussia gained significant territories, including the Rhineland, Westphalia, and parts of Saxony, becoming a major German power. The Congress also confirmed the Prussian-led German Confederation.