Battle of Rossbach
1757 · Rossbach (in present-day Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) · World · Modern
The coalition tried to outflank the Prussian army; Frederick, screened by the hills, swiftly shifted his line, and Seydlitz's cavalry and the Prussian infantry routed the coalition in little more than an hour.
Belligerents
Kingdom of Prussia
- Commanders
- Frederick II, Seydlitz
- Strength
- About 22,000
Coalition of France and the Imperial Army
- Commanders
- Prince of Soubise, Prince of Saxe-Hildburghausen
- Strength
- About 40,000
Background
In the Seven Years' War, Prussia was beset by Austria, France, Russia, Sweden and the Imperial army of the Holy Roman Empire, and by 1757 its situation was critical. A coalition of French and Imperial troops entered Saxony from the west.
Course of the battle
- Coalition flanking maneuverThe coalition formed a long column and swung south, seeking to envelop the Prussian left flank.
- Prussians redeployUsing Janus Hill to block the enemy's view, Frederick swiftly moved his troops east to meet the enemy.
- Cavalry chargeSeydlitz led his cavalry in a furious charge against the head of the coalition column, and the coalition cavalry scattered.
- Infantry finish the jobThe Prussian infantry and artillery opened fire on the disordered coalition infantry, and the coalition fled in a general rout.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1757 |
|---|---|
| Place | Rossbach (in present-day Saxony-Anhalt, Germany) |
| Result | The coalition tried to outflank the Prussian army; Frederick, screened by the hills, swiftly shifted his line, and Seydlitz's cavalry and the Prussian infantry routed the coalition in little more than an hour. |
| Winner | Kingdom of Prussia |
| Casualties | Prussian casualties were about 500-odd; coalition killed, wounded and captured numbered about 10,000 (accounts vary). |
| Territorial change | France never recovered on the German front, and Frederick was able to turn his army to Silesia to meet the Austrians. |
Impact
Rossbach is the most famous victory of the few over the many won by Frederick the Great, and German nationalists regarded it as a symbol of German triumph over France.
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