Battle of Hohenfriedberg
Near Strzegom (Striegau) and Dobromierz (Hohenfriedberg), Lower Silesia, Poland
What happened
The Prussian army of King Frederick II fought an Austrian army under Prince Charles of Lorraine and its Saxon allies. Austria wanted to win back the province of Silesia, which Prussia had seized. At dawn the Prussians attacked, first defeating the Saxons after nearly two hours of fighting. Frederick then turned on the Austrians, a Prussian dragoon regiment broke their lines, and by 9 in the morning the battle was over.
Why it matters
Why it matters: After this victory, people began calling the king 'Frederick the Great'. But Austria's ruler, Maria Theresa, remained determined to win Silesia back.
What came next
Prussia kept Silesia, and the struggle over it continued in later wars, including the Seven Years' War.
Did you know?
A famous German military march, 'Der Hohenfriedberger', is named after the battle.
Timeline
- 1742The Treaty of Berlin gives Silesia to Prussia.
- 4 June 1745Prussia wins at Hohenfriedberg.
- 1745The Treaty of Dresden confirms Prussia's hold on Silesia.
- 1795The first version of the Hohenfriedberger March is written.