Considering the care with which this sagacious sovereign looked after matters in general as well as individual affairs, and devoted himself to the humblest as well as the greatest in his dominions, it is not surprising that the ruined towns and villages, and the waste lands as well, soon presented a changed aspect, but it took years before the sorely oppressed country recovered entirely from the devastating effects of war. With the increasing industry of the people, however, and the unfailing encouragement and assistance of the King in advancing the interests of commerce, trade, and agriculture, Prussia in time rose to a higher degree of prosperity and culture than ever before. Appendix The following is a chronological statement of the principal events in the Seven Years’ War: 1756 Frederick invades Saxony. October 1, 1756 Frederick’s first victory at Lobositz. 1757 Frederick invades Bohemia. May 6, 1757 Frederick defeats the Austrians at Prague. June 18, 1757 Frederick defeated by the Austrians at Kollin. July 26, 1757 French victory at Hastenbeck. August 30, 1757 Russian victory at Grossjägendorf. November 5, 1757 Frederick’s great victory at Rossbach. December 5, 1757 Frederick defeats the Austrians at Leuthen. August 25, 1758 Frederick defeats the Russians at Zorndorf. October 14, 1758 Frederick defeated by Austrians at Hochkirch. August 1, 1759 French defeated at Minden. August 12, 1760 Frederick defeated at Kunersdorf. August 15, 1760 Frederick defeats the Austrians at Liegnitz. November 3, 1760 Frederick’s great victory at Torgau. January 5, 1762 Death of Czarina Elizabeth and accession of Peter III. March 3, 1762 Peter makes peace with Frederick. July 17, 1762 Peter assassinated and succeeded by Catharine. July 21, 1762 Frederick’s victory at Burkersdorf. October 29, 1762 Victory of Prince Henry at Freiburg. Last battle in the Seven Years’ War. February 10, 1763 Peace between France, England, and Prussia. February 15, 1763 Peace of Hubertsburg and close of the war. Footnotes [1]The Mark or Margravate of Brandenburg was the beginning of the Kingdom of Prussia. The Nordmark, now in Saxony, was founded by Henry I in 928 to preserve certain German territory. In 1134 it was granted to Albert, who took the title of Margrave of Brandenburg. The mark was gradually extended during the next three centuries, and in 1618 the Duchy of Prussia was united to it. During the reign of Frederick William, the “Great Elector,” it was largely developed, and in 1700 it became the Kingdom of Prussia. [2]This was in the Autumn of 1756.