Leopold II, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leopold II |
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Portrait of Leopold II by Antoine Pesne, 1748
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| Prince of Anhalt-Dessau | |||||
| Reign | 1747–1751 | ||||
| Predecessor | Leopold I | ||||
| Successor | Leopold III | ||||
| Born | 25 December 1700 Dessau |
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| Died | 16 December 1751 (aged 50) Dessau |
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| Spouse | Gisela Agnes of Anhalt-Köthen | ||||
| Issue | Leopold III, Duke of Anhalt-Dessau Louise Agnes, Freifrau von Loën Henrietta Catherine Agnes of Anhalt-Dessau Marie Leopoldine, Countess of Lippe-Detmold John George Casimire, Countess of Lippe-Detmold Albert |
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| House | Ascania | ||||
| Father | Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau | ||||
| Mother | Anna Louise Föhse | ||||
Leopold II Maximilian was a German prince who ruled the area of Anhalt-Dessau from 1747 to 1751. He was also an important general for the Prussian army. He belonged to the House of Ascania, a very old German noble family.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Leopold was born in Dessau on December 25, 1700. He was the second son of Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, and Anna Louise Föhse.
He started his military career very young. When he was only nine years old, he joined his father on military duties for the Prussian army. By 1715, he was already a Lieutenant Colonel-in-Chief. This meant he was in charge of an infantry regiment, which is a large group of soldiers.
In 1733, Leopold led Prussian forces in the city of Mühlhausen. This happened during the First Silesian War, a conflict where Prussia fought for control of a region called Silesia.
Becoming Prince of Anhalt-Dessau
Leopold was not originally expected to become the ruler of Anhalt-Dessau. His older brother, William Gustav, was the first in line. However, William Gustav passed away in 1737.
William Gustav had nine children, but their mother was not from a noble family. Because of this, his children could not inherit the title of Prince. This made Leopold the next in line to rule Anhalt-Dessau.
When his father, Leopold I, died in 1747, Leopold II Maximilian officially became the Prince of Anhalt-Dessau. He ruled for four years until his own death in 1751.
Military Achievements
Leopold was known as one of the best generals serving under Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia. He showed great skill in several important battles:
- In 1741, he helped capture Glogau, a key city.
- He fought bravely in the Battle of Mollwitz.
- During the Battle of Chotusitz, his leadership was so impressive that he was promoted to Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) right there on the battlefield. This is one of the highest ranks in the army.
- He also played a role in the victories at the Battle of Hohenfriedberg and the Battle of Soor.
Leopold II Maximilian died in Dessau on December 16, 1751. The next year, Frederick the Great honored him by naming a new village Leopoldshagen after him.
Family Life
On May 25, 1737, Leopold married Gisela Agnes of Anhalt-Köthen in Bernburg. They had seven children together. Their eldest son, Leopold III Frederick Franz, later became the Duke of Anhalt-Dessau after his father.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Leopold II by Antoine Pesne, 1748
