Background
Friedrich August, born in Usingen, was a younger son of Prince Charles of Nassau-Usingen and Princess Christiane Wilhelmine of Saxe-Eisenach (daughter of John William III, Duke of Saxe-Eisenach).
Friedrich August, born in Usingen, was a younger son of Prince Charles of Nassau-Usingen and Princess Christiane Wilhelmine of Saxe-Eisenach (daughter of John William III, Duke of Saxe-Eisenach).
He followed a military career in the army of the Holy Roman Empire and served in the Seven Years" War. In 1790, he became a Field Marshal. Ruler of Nassau On 6 July 1806, he joined the Confederation of the Rhine in order to prevent Napoleon from annexing the principality.
Since Friedrich August"s sons had died young, it was also agreed that the combined duchy and sole rulership would pass to the heir of the Nassau-Weilburg line.
Nassau"s troops fought under the command of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. At the Congress of Vienna, the unification of the Duchy of Nassau was approved and the duchy joined the German Confederation.
Friedrich August was an enlightened and liberal ruler who established reforms such as the elimination of tax privileges for the nobility, the introduction of press freedom and the constitution for a modern state. His court at the Biebrich Castle was praised by visitors for its serenity and hospitality.
23 April 1738 - 17 May 1803: His Serene Highness Frederick Augustus, Prince of Nassau-Usingen.
17 May 1803 - 24 March 1816: His Serene Highness The Prince (Fürst) of Nassau-Usingen. 30 August 1806 - 24 March 1816: His Highness The Duke of Nassau.