Battle of Burkersdorf (1762) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Burkersdorf
Part of the Third Silesian War (Seven Years' War)
Date 21 July 1762 Location Burkersdorf, present-day Poland 50°47′35″N 16°27′58″E / 50.793056°N 16.466111°E / 50.793056; 16.466111 Result Russo-Prussian victory
Belligerents
Prussia  Russia	Austria
Commanders and leaders
Frederick the Great	Leopold Joseph von Daun
Strength
55,000	75,000
Casualties and losses
1,600 killed, wounded, or captured	2,500 killed, wounded, or captured

The Battle of Burkersdorf was an important battle fought on July 21, 1762. It was part of the Third Silesian War, which was itself a smaller part of the much larger Seven Years' War. In this battle, the army of Prussia fought against the army of Austria.

A Shifting Alliance: Russia's Role

The war was full of changing alliances. A big change happened when Elizabeth of Russia, the empress of Russia, passed away. Her nephew, Peter III, became the new ruler.

Peter III's Admiration for Prussia

Peter III was a huge fan of Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia. He admired everything about Prussia. Frederick used this to his advantage. Peter quickly pulled his army out of the war. He also gave back any Prussian lands Russia had taken. Peter then signed a peace treaty with Frederick. He even sent some Russian soldiers to help the Prussian army fight against Austria.

Catherine the Great Changes Course

However, Peter III's time as ruler was very short. His wife, Catherine the Great, took over the throne. Peter died soon after. Catherine decided to pull Russia out of the war completely. She ordered the Russian troops who were helping Prussia to leave.

The Battle Begins

The Austrian army did not know that the Russian soldiers had left. Frederick the Great knew this, and he used it to his advantage. He decided to attack the Austrian forces.

Prussia's Victory and Peace Talks

Frederick's army attacked and won the battle. After the fight, the Russian soldiers went home. Catherine the Great tried to restart the war against Prussia. But it was too late. Peace talks had already begun at a place called Hubertsberg. This battle helped lead to the end of the war.