Friedrich II Eugen, Duke of Württemberg

At the table

Introduction of the Potato

Although potatoes were introduced in 1727, they were initially met with skepticism by the public, who often did not know how to cultivate them properly. Over time, they became a crucial food source for the poor due to their reliability and ability to prevent famine.

What people wore

Prussian Silk Ban for Commoners

In 1731, the Prussian government issued an edict forbidding female commoners and maidservants from wearing silk dresses, camisoles, or pinafores to support domestic wool production and restrict luxury.

Getting around

Diverse modes and speeds of travel

While the wealthy could use express post services to travel faster, a large portion of the population traveled between towns on foot, including traders and pilgrims. Traveling with a large entourage, such as a queen's court, was significantly slower due to the need for frequent stops and local greetings.

Work

Mandatory spinning for workers

A 1723 royal edict mandated that street vendors and unemployed servants spin one pound of wool weekly, and even craftswomen or merchants' daughters were forbidden from sitting idle while at market stalls. They were required to spend their time spinning wool or flax, knitting, or sewing instead.

Music

Hautboisten provided common musical entertainment

Hautboisten, who were professional wind ensembles, were among the primary providers of musical entertainment in Prussian lands during the first half of the 18th century.

Daily life

Irregular school attendance and teaching

Prussian schooling was often erratic, with children frequently absent during summer months to work on farms or when families were required to pay fines for failing to send them. Many schools lacked trained teachers, relying instead on local sextons, discharged soldiers, or day laborers who often struggled to teach basic reading and arithmetic.