Siege of Dresden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Dresden
Part of the Third Silesian War (Seven Years' War)
The ruins of the Kreuzkirche, destroyed by Prussian bombardment. Bernardo Bellotto, oil on canvas, 1765
Date 13–22 July 1760 Location Dresden, Saxony 51°03′00″N 13°44′00″E / 51.0500°N 13.7333°E / 51.0500; 13.7333 Result Austro–Saxon victory
Belligerents
Prussia	Austria  Saxony
Commanders and leaders
Frederick the Great	Johann Macguire
Strength
	13,900

The Siege of Dresden happened in July 1760. It was part of the Third Silesian War, which was itself a part of the larger Seven Years' War. During this event, the Prussian army, led by Frederick the Great, tried to capture the city of Dresden in Saxony. However, they were not successful.

Why Did Frederick the Great Want Dresden?

Frederick the Great had taken control of Dresden earlier, in 1756. This action actually helped start the Seven Years' War. But in 1759, forces from Austria and its allies took Dresden back.

Frederick wanted to get Dresden back because he hoped to expand his territory in Saxony. He believed controlling Saxony would make his kingdom stronger.

How Did the Siege of Dresden Begin?

The Prussian army arrived near Dresden on July 13. Close behind them was a group of Austrian soldiers led by Count von Lacy. Frederick's troops crossed the River Elbe and moved into the areas just outside the city walls.

They brought in large cannons to fire at targets inside Dresden. Some people accused Frederick of purposely shelling parts of the city where regular people lived.

Why Did the Siege End?

Frederick decided to stop trying to capture Dresden. He needed to move his army to face another strong Austrian army led by Count von Daun. So, Frederick and his forces left Dresden.

The siege caused a lot of damage to the city. This destruction, especially the shelling of civilian areas, made Frederick less popular across Europe. People also criticized him for destroying the Elector of Saxony's gardens in Pirna after the siege.

What Happened After the Siege?

The Siege of Dresden was not the first time Frederick had failed to capture a city. He had also given up on sieges at Prague in 1757 and Olomouc in 1758.

After leaving Dresden, Frederick's army moved into Silesia. There, they fought the Battle of Liegnitz on August 15.