Main Historical Events in Potsdam

  • 16th Century: Potsdam originally served as a hunting retreat for the Electors of Brandenburg.
  • 1660: Construction of the Potsdam Palace began under Frederick William, the Great Elector.
  • 1685: French Huguenots settled in Potsdam, bringing cultural influences.
  • 1744: Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great, was completed.
  • 1815: Potsdam became part of the Kingdom of Prussia after the Congress of Vienna.
  • 1871: Potsdam hosted the meeting between Otto von Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm I, finalizing the unification of Germany.
  • 1945: Potsdam Conference held in Cecilienhof Palace, shaping post-World War II Europe.
  • 1990: Reunification of Germany restored Potsdam as the capital of the state of Brandenburg.