Karl August von Hardenberg

Karl August Fürst von Hardenberg was a Prussian statesman and Chief Minister of Prussia. While during his late career he acquiesced to reactionary policies, earlier in his career he implemented a variety of Liberal reforms. He and Baron vom Stein were together responsible for improvements in Prussia's army system, the abolition of serfdom and feudal burdens, opening the civil service to all classes, and the complete reform of the educational system.