Ernst Gideon von Laudon

Ernst Gideon von Laudon was an Austrian field marshal whose victories over Prussia during the Seven Years’ War made him one of the Habsburg monarchy’s leading commanders.

Battle of Kunersdorf: A 1759 battle in which Russian and Austrian forces defeated Frederick II’s Prussian army near Frankfurt an der Oder. Laudon commanded the Austrian contingent in this costly victory over Prussia.
Frederick the Great: King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, renowned for military victories and territorial expansion. Frederick was Laudon’s principal adversary during the Seven Years’ War.
Seven Years’ War: A global conflict fought from 1756 to 1763 by shifting coalitions of European and colonial powers. Laudon built his military reputation in Austria’s struggle against Prussia during this war.
Siege of Schweidnitz (1761): The Prussian defense of Schweidnitz against an Austrian siege in 1761, ending in a Prussian victory. Laudon’s failed attempt to take the fortress exposed the limits of his wartime success.
Battle of Landeshut: A 1760 battle in which Austrian forces under Laudon captured a Prussian army in Silesia. This decisive victory established Laudon as one of Austria’s foremost commanders.
Maria Theresa: Archduchess of Austria and ruler of the Habsburg monarchy from 1740 to 1780. Her government promoted Laudon’s advancement after his successes against Prussia.
Habsburg monarchy: The Central European composite monarchy ruled by the House of Habsburg until 1918. Laudon’s career depended on service to this dynasty and its multinational armies.
Treaty of Hubertusburg: The 1763 treaty that ended the Seven Years’ War in Central Europe and restored the prewar status quo there. Despite Laudon’s victories, the war’s settlement left Austria without recovering Silesia.
Siege of Glatz: The Austrian capture of the Prussian fortress of Glatz in 1760 during the Seven Years’ War. Laudon’s successful siege followed his victory at Landeshut and extended Austrian gains in Silesia.
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor: Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 to 1790 and co-ruler of the Habsburg monarchy with Maria Theresa until 1780. Laudon commanded Habsburg forces during Joseph II’s war against the Ottoman Empire.

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Battle of KolínRelated: His role in the fighting illustrates the contribution of Austrian commanders under Daun.