King Frederick William I of Prussia

[LouisFerdinand]

King Frederick William I of Prussia (1688-1740) reigned from 1713 until 1740.     
He was known as the "Sergeant King".     
He believed the key to influence lay in military strength. Over the course of his reign he built up a strong army.     
To fund this King Frederick William instigated numerous domestic reforms that vastly improved Prussia's economy.

[LouisFerdinand]

King Frederick William I had a special regiment of Potsdam Giants, consisting of especially tall men. These men he never sent to participate in battle. When he was ill or depressed, Frederick William would have a few hundred of them marching through his bedroom to cheer him up.   

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[LouisFerdinand]

King Frederick William I inspecting his Giant Guards. They were known as the Grand Grenadiers of Potsdam. They were also referred to as Potsdam Grenadiers or Potsdam Giants.   
King Frederick William I of Prussia Inspecting his Giant Guards Stock Photo: 87105834 - Alamy

[Curryong]

King Frederick William I inspecting his Giant Guards. They were known as the Grand Grenadiers of Potsdam. They were also referred to as Potsdam Grenadiers or Potsdam Giants.   
King Frederick William I of Prussia Inspecting his Giant Guards Stock Photo: 87105834 - Alamy

Frederik the Great had a taste for tall young men anyway. Especially six feet and over.

[LouisFerdinand]

King Frederick William I was named after his grandfather, Frederick William the Great Elector of Brandenburg, who had died three months before his birth.