The large landowners in Prussia were called Junkers. Junkers was a term within Prussia and later in Germany to refer to the landed nobility and upper classes of Prussian and German society.

The 'Junkers' were large landowners in Prussia and other parts of Germany who played a significant role in the politics and society of the region.

Origin and History:
• The term 'Junker' was originally used to refer to young nobleman who were training to become officers in the Prussian army.
• Over time, the term came to be associated with the large landowners who dominated the agricultural sector of the region.
• The Junkers were primarily concentrated in eastern Germany, where they owned vast estates and controlled the production of crops such as wheat, rye, and potatoes.

Role in Politics:
• The Junkers played a significant role in the politics of Prussia and Germany, particularly during the 19th century.
• They were closely aligned with the conservative and nationalist movements, and were staunch supporters of the Prussian monarchy.
• Many Junkers held important positions in the government and military, and their influence extended to the judiciary, education, and media.

Economic Power:
• The Junkers were among the wealthiest and most powerful landowners in Europe, and their estates were often passed down through generations of the same family.
• They employed large numbers of agricultural laborers, many of whom were bound to the estates and had few rights or freedoms.
• The Junkers also controlled the production and distribution of food, and were often criticized for their exploitation of the peasantry and their resistance to modernization.

Decline:
• The power of the Junkers began to decline following the revolutions of 1848, which weakened the authority of the Prussian monarchy and led to the formation of a more liberal government.
• The Junkers were also undermined by the growth of industrialization and the rise of the urban middle class, which challenged their traditional dominance of the agricultural sector.
• Despite these challenges, however, the Junkers remained a significant force in German politics and society well into the 20th century.