The Potsdam Giants

The Potsdam Giants: Frederick William I's Elite Regiment of Tall Soldiers

1. Origins and Historical Context

The Potsdam Giants, known in German as Lange Kerls (Tall Fellows), were a unique military unit created by King Frederick William I of Prussia (reigned 1713–1740). This regiment, officially designated the Großes Leibbataillon (Grand Life Guard Battalion), was renowned for its soldiers' exceptional height, reflecting the king's personal obsession and Prussia's emerging militaristic culture.

2. Recruitment and Composition

• Height Requirements: Minimum 6 Prussian feet (~6'2" or 1.88m), some exceeding 7 feet
• Recruitment Methods: European scouts, financial incentives, diplomatic pressure
• Notable Recruits: Irish giant James Kirkland, Turkish/North African soldiers
• Diplomatic Tensions: Recruitment caused disputes with Austria and Russia

3. Role and Function

Ceremonial Purpose: Served as Frederick William's personal guard for parades and drills rather than combat. While the Giants were a vanity project, the king simultaneously modernized Prussia's army through practical reforms that laid groundwork for Frederick the Great's military successes.

4. Frederick William's Obsession

• Potentially compensating for his average height (5'5") and fragile health
• Recruitment costs reached 4,000 thalers per soldier
• Maintained regiment despite its military impracticality

5. Daily Life and Legacy

Soldiers enjoyed better pay and luxurious uniforms but faced strict discipline. The unit was dissolved in 1740 by Frederick the Great, who reallocated resources to practical military needs.

6. Cultural and Historical Impact

Voltaire noted their absurdity, while Frederick the Great dismissed them as "good for nothing but to look at." Today they symbolize absolutist eccentricity, with artifacts displayed in Potsdam museums.

Key Numbers

Peak Strength: ~3,000 soldiers
Height Range: 6'2" to over 7 feet
Recruitment Cost: Up to 4,000 thalers per recruit

Conclusion

The Potsdam Giants remain a fascinating example of how royal obsessions shaped military institutions. While militarily insignificant, they reveal 18th-century Prussia's unique blend of practical reform and symbolic grandeur, highlighting the tension between spectacle and substance in statecraft.