Elector of Brandenburg from 1688, King of Prussia (1701–13). He lacked the ability of his father, Frederick William, the Great Elector, and dissipated funds in display and extravagance. In 1700 he supported the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I in the War of the Spanish Succession and with his approval was able to proclaim himself king, taking his title from his territory of East Prussia. In 1713 he acquired Upper Gelders. With his second wife Sophia Charlotte he developed Berlin and established the Academy of Science and the University of Halle.