Frederick William of Hesse

ModernEmperorHesse-Kassel1802 — 1875

Last ruling elector, deposed by Prussia.

Compare:vs Napoleon vs Julius Caesar

Quick Facts

Born

1802

Died

1875

Country

Hesse-Kassel

Era

Modern

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)52

Political (20%)61

Influence (20%)64

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score57.2

Frederick William of Hesse — Complete Timeline

1847 AD

Became Elector of Hesse-KasselPolitical Action◆ Major

Frederick William succeeded his father William II as the last Elector of Hesse-Kassel. He inherited a state deeply divided between conservative monarchists and liberal reformers, with tensions rising across Germany.

SuccessionHesse-Kassel

Impact: regional

1848 AD

Suppressed 1848 RevolutionPolitical Action◆ Major

During the 1848 revolutions, Frederick William initially conceded to some demands, but later used Austrian and Prussian troops to suppress the uprising. He restored absolute rule, reversing all liberal reforms.

Revolutions of 1848Reactionary

Impact: regionaldestructive

1866 AD

Deposed by PrussiaPolitical Action

During the Austro-Prussian War, Frederick William sided with Austria. After Prussia's victory, Hesse-Kassel was annexed by Prussia. Frederick William was deposed and went into exile, ending the Hesse-Kassel monarchy.

Austro-Prussian WarAnnexationEnd of Monarchy

Impact: regionaltragic