The Battle of Rossbach 1757

On 5 November 1757, in the vicinity of the small Saxon village of Rossbach, Frederick the Great and his army achieved a spectacular victory over an enemy composed of French and Imperial troops. 22,000 Prussian soldiers drove an army twice their size from the field of battle. Neither before nor after would the Prussian king achieve such a decisive victory at so little cost to his own forces. Following the battle, the French did not actively participate in any further campaigns against Prussia, whilst the Reichsarmee’s reputation was permanently damaged. In contrast Frederick’s generalship assumed a new luster after the difficulties he had experienced during the summer campaign in Bohemia. The present volume brings together essays by well-known authors who examine the battle from differing perspectives. These include analyses of the three armies involved, and discussion of the course of the battle, its effects on the surrounding civilian population, and forms of remembrance.