Karl August von Hardenberg

Karl August Fürst[note 1] von Hardenberg (31 May 1750, in Essenrode-Lehre – 26 November 1822, in Genoa) was a Prussian statesman and Prime Minister of Prussia. While during his late career he acquiesced to reactionary policies, earlier in his career he implemented a variety of Liberal reforms. To him and Baron vom Stein, Prussia was indebted for improvements in its army system, the abolition of serfdom and feudal burdens, the throwing open of the civil service to all classes, and the complete reform of the educational system.[1]

Karl August von Hardenberg
Portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence
Prime Minister of Prussia
In office April 14, 1804 – 1806
Preceded by	Count Haugwitz
Succeeded by	Count Haugwitz
In office April – July, 1807
Preceded by	Karl von Beyme
Succeeded by	Baron Stein
In office June 6, 1810 – November 26, 1822
Preceded by	Count Dohna-Schlobitten
Succeeded by	Otto von Voß
2nd Interior Minister of Prussia
In office 1810–1814
Preceded by	Count Dohna-Schlobitten
Succeeded by	Count Schuckmann
Personal details
Born	Karl August Fürst von Hardenberg May 31, 1750 Essenrode Manor, Electorate of Hanover, Holy Roman Empire
Died	November 26, 1822 (aged 72) Genoa, Kingdom of Sardinia
Spouses	Christiane von Reventlow (m. 1774-div. 1782)
Children	2
Parents	Christian Ludwig von Hardenberg (father) Anna Sophia Ehrengart von Bülow (mother)
Known for	Being a part of the Prussian Reform Movement