Early Modern & the Imperial Age: The military genius of Frederick the Great

Print Page | Close Window

The military genius of Frederick the Great

Printed From: History Community ~ All Empires
Category: Regional History or Period History
Forum Name: Early Modern & the Imperial Age
Forum Discription: World History from 1500 to the end of WW1
URL: http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33760
Printed Date: 29-Apr-2024 at 01:21
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.56a - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: The military genius of Frederick the Great

Posted By: Salah ad-Din
Subject: The military genius of Frederick the Great
Date Posted: 01-Jun-2013 at 15:31

Just finished watching this documentary:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyBE4U0Mm_g - Frederick the Great - YouTube

I've heard of the battles of Rossbach and Leuthen before, but never really studied them until today. One of my books describes the latter battle as 'a masterpiece of movement, maneuver, and resolve', while the documentary above suggests that Frederick first displayed military brilliance in the Rossbach campaign - yet it also goes on to say that he lost eight of the sixteen battles he fought during the Seven Years War.

Does Frederick deserve the reputation of a military genius?

Replies:

Posted By: Maddison
Date Posted: 23-May-2014 at 17:27

Originally posted by Salah ad-Din

Just finished watching this documentary:

I've heard of the battles of Rossbach and Leuthen before, but never really studied them until today. One of my books describes the latter battle as 'a masterpiece of movement, maneuver, and resolve', while the documentary above suggests that Frederick first displayed military brilliance in the Rossbach campaign - yet it also goes on to say that he lost eight of the sixteen battles he fought during the Seven Years War.

Does Frederick deserve the reputation of a military genius?

I have my own question marks concerning the military greatness of Frederick. Most of the time he seems to have been up against an Austrian commander who IMHO should not have been allowed anywhere near a battlefield .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Charles_Alexander_of_Lorraine

-------------
Denial isn't just a river in Africa

Posted By: beorna
Date Posted: 23-May-2014 at 17:47

Frederick lost the battle of Kolin, 35000 Prussians against 54000 Austrians and at Hochkirch, with 30000 Prussians against 78000 Austrians and the battle at Kunersdorf, with 49000 Prussians against 79000 Russians and imperials. His victories were mostly fought with inferior troops. Only at Prague and Torgau he had a few thousand soldiers more than his enemies, but mostly his enemies had a superiority of more than 2:1

Posted By: Maddison
Date Posted: 24-May-2014 at 11:20

King Frederick certainly roughed up the Austrians on any number of occasions and proved himself a gifted commander the only problem i have is that the were all too often commanded by Prince Charles Alexander of Lorraine who skill in battle leaves much to be desired his record of fought 8 lost 7 won 1 does not inspire great confidence. Indeed when Daun took over command Frederick had a much tougher job to beat him.

-------------
Denial isn't just a river in Africa