Frederick the Great orders Prussian peasants to grow potatoes
Forced to till poor quality soil, Prussian peasants eked out a meagre living, and the state was often just one failed harvest away from famine. As the “first servant of the state”, Frederick the Great was constantly looking for ways to improve the welfare of his people. In 1756, he found salvation in the humble potato, a hardy and highly nutritious vegetable that could thrive in poor soil and serve as a regular staple for humans and animals alike.
The King issued at least 15 decrees throughout his reign which sought to promote potato cultivation; he also required the co-operation of pastors and civil servants in his plans. On 24 March 1756, he issued a circular to district administrators and officials of the Prussian bread basket of Silesia, pointing out the advantages of the potato in bringing an agricultural surplus. Administrators were ordered to monitor the level of compliance amongst farmers with his instructions.
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