Battle of Prague

:For the battle of World War II, see Prague Offensive.

Prelude

After Frederick had forced the surrender of Saxony in the 1756 campaign, he spent the winter devising new plans for a defense of his small kingdom. It was not in his character simply to sit back and defend.

Related Topics:
Frederick - Saxony - 1756

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In early spring the Prussian army marched in four columns over the mountain passes separating Saxony and Silesia from Bohemia. The four corps would unite at the Bohemian capital of Prague. Though risky, because it exposed the Prussian army to a defeat in detail, the plan succeeded. After Frederick's corps united with a corps under Prince Moritz, and General Bevern joined up with Schwerin, both armies converged near Prague.

Related Topics:
Columns - Silesia - Bohemia - Prague - Moritz - Bevern - Schwerin

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Meanwhile the Austrians had not been idle. Though initially surprised by the early Prussian attack, the able Austrian Marshall von Browne had been retreating skilfully and concentrating his armed forces towards Prague. Here he established a fortified position to the east of the town, and an additional army under Prince Charles of Lorraine arrived swelling the Austrian numbers to 60,000. The prince now took command.

Related Topics:
Von Browne - Charles of Lorraine

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The Austrian army under von Browne had taken up a near invincible position on the Ziska- and the Tabor mountains. The town was on their left flank, with a steep gorge to the north, and to the west by a marshy slope with a brook at the bottom. The two Austrian commanders are in disagreement about the course of action: von Browne wants to attack, but Charles decides to wait for Konigseck, who was defeated at the Battle of Reichenberg but is known to be retreating towards Prague, and possibly even for the arrival of Daun.

Related Topics:
Battle of Reichenberg - Daun

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On the 6th of May, around 5 a.m., the Prussian army assembled to the north on the Prosek heights, 115,000 men strong, and Frederick sent Keith with 30,000 to the west of the town to cut off any Austrian retreat. The Austrians drew up for battle facing north and east.

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