Battle of Maxen

The Battle of Maxen was a battle fought on November 21, 1759 during the Seven Years' War.

Related Topics:
November 21 - 1759 - Seven Years' War

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Prussian army of 14,000 men fought an Austrian army of 42,000 men.

Related Topics:
Prussia - Austria

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Prussians lost their entire army.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Prussian army of 14,000 men, commanded by Friedrich August von Finck, one of Frederick the Great's most able generals, was sent behind the Austrian armies, with the intention of cutting their lines of communication with Bohemia. Frederick expected the Austrian general, Leopold von Daun, to withdraw once his lines were threatened, but instead he took advantage of Finck's isolation, and cornered him between three separate armies, outnumbering his force. On the 20th of November, the Austrian attack was launched, forcing Finck back off his strong position at Maxen. His retreat was blocked by the Imperial army, and on the 21st Finck was forced to surrender with his entire army, a crushing victory for the Austrians, although von Daun failed to follow up on his success.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~