The Battle of Kesselsdorf: The Old Dessauer’s Last Victory

December 15, 1745. In the freezing snow outside Dresden, the Second Silesian War came to a bloody conclusion. The Battle of Kesselsdorf is often overshadowed by Frederick the Great’s personal victories, but it was arguably the most decisive engagement of the war.

In this episode of Prime & Load, hosts Lee Gugino, Dr. Alex Burns, and Dr. Andrew Bamford break down the brutal clash between the Prussian Army and the Saxon forces defending their capital.

Drawing on the work of historian Dr. Alexander Querengässer, we analyze:

• The Command Feud: The toxic relationship between Frederick the Great and his 69-year-old commander, Leopold I (The Old Dessauer), who had to win the battle to save his reputation.
• The Saxon Perspective: Why this was a uniquely Saxon fight and how their supply lines forced them into a defensive corner.
• The Tactical Trap: How the Prussians used as unconventional tactic to lure the Saxons out of their strong defensive positions and into a slaughter.

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Referenced Material

Kesselsdorf 1745: Decision in the Fight for Silesia 

by Alexander Querengässer