Hans Hermann von Katte
| Hans Hermann von Katte | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
28 February 1704 Berlin, Prussia |
| Died | 6 November 1730 (aged 26) Küstrin |
| Cause of death | Execution by Frederick William I of Prussia |
| Parent(s) | Hans Heinrich Graf von Katte Dorothee Sophia von Wartensleben |
Hans Hermann von Katte (28 February 1704 – 6 November 1730) was a Lieutenant of the Prussian Army and the friend of the future King Frederick II of Prussia, who was at the time the Crown Prince. He was executed by Frederick's father King Frederick William I of Prussia when Frederick II plotted to escape from the Kingdom of Prussia to the Kingdom of Great Britain. Some believe that Frederick intended to defect to the service of George II of Great Britain (Frederick William's maternal first cousin and Frederick's maternal uncle) and possibly return to Prussia to depose Frederick William.
Born in the Prussian capital of Berlin, Katte was a nobleman by birth, coming from a long line of aristocratic military men. His ancestors were squires of Wust in the Altmark. His father, Hans Heinrich Graf von Katte, was one of Frederick William I's most regarded cuirassiers. Katte's mother, Dorothee Sophia von Wartensleben, was the daughter of a seasoned and revered field marshal, Graf Leopold Alexander von Wartensleben. Hans Hermann studied in Königsberg and Utrecht — his foci were French and law. After completing his studies he joined the Prussian Army.
It is not known when Frederick II and Katte met for the first time. However, when they both attended private mathematics and mechanics lessons in 1729, they became acquainted rapidly. Frederick, eight years younger than Katte, admired Katte for his cosmopolitan attitude. Both were interested in poetry and playing the flute.
...
Wikipedia