Historedia
Person

Frederick William IV

Events
5
Episodes
13
Years
1840–1858

Every event in Historedia whose sources name Frederick William IV, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

  1. Death of Frederick William III of Prussia and accession of Frederick William IV

    1840

    Role: Successor King of Prussia

    1. 1840 · RhineRhine Crisis

      The Rhine Crisis arose in 1840 when France demanded the Rhine as its eastern border, influencing the early reign.

    2. 7 June 1840 · BerlinDeath of Frederick William III

      Frederick William III died on 7 June 1840 in Berlin from a fever, ending his reign as King of Prussia.

    3. 7 June 1840 · PrussiaAccession of Frederick William IV

      Frederick William IV succeeded his father as King of Prussia on 7 June 1840, maintaining the personal union with Neuchâtel.

    4. 10 August 1840 · PrussiaAmnesty and Catholic Concessions

      Frederick William IV enacted an amnesty in August 1840 and authorized Catholic religious initiatives to reconcile with the population.

  2. Pickelhaube helmet introduced in the Prussian Army

    1842–1844

    Role: King of Prussia

    1. 1842–43 · Prussian ArmyOfficial Adoption of the Pickelhaube

      The Prussian Army officially adopted the spiked helmet in 1842, following King Frederick William IV's approval of his brother's idea.

    2. 23 October 1842 · Prussian ArmyIntroduction to Prussian Infantry

      Frederick William IV introduced the Pickelhaube to the majority of Prussian infantry via a royal cabinet order in October 1842.

    3. 1844 · Prussian ArmyArtillery Helmet Modification

      Prussian artillery units modified the Pickelhaube in 1844 to use a ball-shaped finial instead of a spike.

  3. March Revolution: Berlin barricade fighting forces royal concessions

    1848

    Role: King of Prussia

    1. 18 March 1848 · BerlinMarch Revolution in Berlin

      Berlin was a centre of the March Revolution, the opening phase of the German revolutions, during which Frederick William IV was initially forced to accommodate revolutionary sentiment.

    2. 29 March 1848 · BerlinAppointment of Liberal Government

      King Frederick William IV appointed a liberal government led by Camphausen and Hansemann following the unrest.

  4. Frankfurt Parliament drafts constitution and elects Frederick William IV, who refuses the crown

    1849

    Role: King of Prussia

    1. 28 March 1849 · FrankfurtElection of the Emperor

      The Frankfurt Assembly elected Frederick William IV as Emperor of the Germans on 28 March 1849, following a resolution adopted in January.

    2. 2 April 1849 · BerlinRefusal of the Crown

      Frederick William IV refused the crown offered by the Frankfurt Parliament on 2 April 1849, believing the assembly lacked the right to offer it.

  5. William I becomes Prince Regent of Prussia

    1858

    Role: King of Prussia

    1. 1858 (exact date not stated in sources) · BerlinConstitutional Oath

      William swore an oath of office on the Prussian constitution, against his brother's advice.

    2. 7 October 1858 · BerlinRegency Charter

      Frederick William IV signed a regency charter for William in October 1858, formalizing the permanent regency.

Sources

  1. Frederick William IV Wikipedia, revision of 2026-06-09
  2. Pickelhaube Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-15