Battle of Rossbach
Rossbach, Saxony
What happened
King Frederick the Great of Prussia, with his cavalry commander Friedrich Wilhelm von Seydlitz, fought a French and Imperial German army led by the Prince de Soubise and the Prince of Saxe-Hildburghausen. During the Seven Years' War, a French and Imperial army about twice the size of Frederick's tried to march around his left side. Frederick broke camp quickly and moved his army out of sight behind a hill. Seydlitz's cavalry then charged the disordered enemy columns, the Prussian infantry and cannons joined in, and in about 90 minutes the allied army was routed.
Why it matters
Result: Prussian victory. Leaders: Frederick the Great against Prince de Soubise / Prince Joseph. Why it matters: The defeat badly damaged France's military reputation. After Rossbach the French refused to take part further in Austria's war with Prussia.
What came next
One month later, Frederick won another great victory against the Austrians at Leuthen.
Did you know?
Before the charge, Seydlitz calmly smoked his pipe in front of his men, then threw it into the air as the signal to attack.
Timeline
- 5 November 1757 CEFrederick defeats the French and Imperial army at Rossbach.
- 5 December 1757 CEFrederick defeats the Austrians at Leuthen.