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Ernst Gideon von Laudon, born on February 2, 1717, in Tootzen, Swedish Livonia, and died on July 14, 1790, in Neutitschein, was an Austrian field marshal and one of the most successful Habsburg commanders during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and the Austro-Turkish War (1787-1791). He joined the Austrian forces in 1741 and distinguished himself during the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748). He was also placed in command of the Austrian contingent that joined the Russians on the Oder and participated in the Battle of Kunersdorf alongside Pyotr Saltykov, resulting in a significant victory for the Russo-Austrian alliance.
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What You'll Learn
Ernst Gideon von Laudon was an Austrian field marshal
Laudon distinguished himself during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), particularly in the Seven Years' War, a global conflict that saw Austria and Prussia vying for dominance in Germany. He defeated Frederick II of Prussia at Kunersdorf in 1759 and Landeshut in 1760, leading to his promotion to commander-in-chief of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. However, he also faced setbacks, such as the Battle of Liegnitz in 1760, where he accused the main army commanders of failing to support his corps.
Laudon's military career continued to flourish, and in 1769, he was appointed commander-in-chief in Bohemia and Moravia by Emperor Joseph II. Despite contemplating retirement, he was called back into service during the war with Turkey in 1787. Despite his advanced age and failing health, he successfully captured Belgrade in just three weeks in 1789, serving as the military governor of Habsburg Serbia until his death.
Laudon passed away on July 14, 1790, in Neutitschein (now Nový Jičín), in Moravia, while still on duty. He was buried in the grounds of Hadersdorf, and his legacy is honoured through a marble bust erected by Emperor Joseph II in the chamber of the council of war. Laudon's military prowess and dedication to Austria's armed forces solidifies his reputation as a distinguished field marshal and commander.
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He joined the Austrian forces in 1741
Ernst Gideon von Laudon, born on February 2, 1717, in Tootzen, Swedish Livonia, joined the Austrian forces in 1741. He was the son of a Swedish officer of Scottish descent. Before joining the Austrian forces, Laudon entered the Russian Army as a cadet in 1732 and made an unsuccessful attempt to serve Prussia.
Laudon's military career began in the midst of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), a European conflict primarily fought in Central Europe, the Austrian Netherlands, Italy, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. The war was sparked by the right of Maria Theresa, backed by Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Hanover, to succeed her father, Emperor Charles VI, as ruler of the Habsburg monarchy. France, Prussia, and Bavaria saw this as an opportunity to challenge Habsburg power, with France supporting those who declared their candidacy for the Imperial crown.
Laudon distinguished himself during the War of the Austrian Succession, particularly in the Silesian Wars, which were a series of conflicts within the larger war. The First Silesian War (1740-1742) began when Frederick II of Prussia claimed Silesia due to dubious conditions of succession and invaded in December 1740, quickly occupying the entire province. The Second Silesian War (1744-1745) saw Frederick the Great invade Saxony and Austrian Bohemia, defeating superior Austro-Saxon forces in the Battles of Hohenfriedeberg and Soor.
Laudon's rapid rise to prominence, however, coincided with the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), a worldwide conflict that included the struggle between Austria and Prussia for supremacy in Germany. During this war, Laudon defeated Frederick II the Great of Prussia at Kunersdorf (1759) and Landshut (1760), becoming the Austrian commander-in-chief for Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia.
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He distinguished himself during the War of Austrian Succession
Ernst Gideon von Laudon distinguished himself during the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748), a European conflict fought primarily in Central Europe, the Austrian Netherlands, Italy, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The war was fought over Maria Theresa's right to succeed her father, Emperor Charles VI, as ruler of the Habsburg monarchy. Prussia, France, and Bavaria saw this as an opportunity to challenge Habsburg power, while Maria Theresa was backed by Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Hanover, collectively known as the Pragmatic Allies.
Laudon, the son of a Swedish officer of Scottish descent, entered the Russian Army as a cadet in 1732. After an unsuccessful bid to serve Prussia, he joined the Austrian forces in 1741. During the War of Austrian Succession, Laudon defeated Frederick II of Prussia at Kunersdorf in 1759 and Landshut in 1760. He was then made commander-in-chief of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. In 1760, he destroyed an entire corps of Frederick's army under Fouqué at the Battle of Landeshut and captured the important fortress of Glatz. However, he also suffered a severe defeat at Frederick's hands in the Battle of Liegnitz in 1760, which led to a bitter controversy with the commanders of the main army, who he claimed had left his corps unsupported.
Laudon's military career continued well after the War of Austrian Succession. He served during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), where he was one of the most successful Habsburg commanders. He retired in 1763 and served without distinction during the War of the Bavarian Succession (1778-1779). Recalled in 1788, he captured Belgrade from the Turks in 1789 and was made commander-in-chief of the Austrian armed forces. He died in 1790 while still on duty.
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He was commander-in-chief of Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia
Ernst Gideon von Laudon, born on February 2, 1717, in Tootzen, Swedish Livonia, was an Austrian field marshal and one of the most successful Habsburg commanders during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and the Austro-Turkish War of 1787-1791. He was married in Bösing to Clara von Hagen, who had previously served as a lady's maid.
Laudon's military career began in 1732 when he entered the Russian Army as a cadet. After an unsuccessful attempt to serve in Prussia, he joined the Austrian forces in 1741 and distinguished himself during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748). However, it was the Seven Years' War that marked the rapid rise of his military career. This worldwide conflict involved the struggle between Austria and Prussia for supremacy in Germany.
Laudon's outstanding performance during this war led to his promotion to Feldzeugmeister and his appointment as commander-in-chief of Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. In this role, he achieved notable victories, such as the destruction of Frederick's army corps at the Battle of Landeshut in 1760 and the capture of the fortress of Glatz. Despite a setback at the Battle of Liegnitz in the same year, Laudon continued his military campaigns in Silesia in 1761, demonstrating unwavering dedication to his role as commander-in-chief.
In 1787, a new war with Turkey emerged, and Laudon was called upon once more. Despite his advanced age and fragile health, he served as commander-in-chief and achieved a remarkable success by capturing Belgrade in just three weeks in 1789. This marked his final military triumph before his death in the same year at Nový Jičín (Neutitschein) in Moravia. Laudon's legacy is honoured with a marble bust erected by Emperor Joseph eight years before his death, recognising his invaluable contributions as a commander-in-chief.
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He died in Moravia
In 1790, Ernst Gideon von Laudon, an Austrian military officer, passed away in the Moravian town of Jarmeritz, now known as Jarměřice in the Czech Republic. Moravia, a historical region in the south-eastern part of the present-day Czech Republic, was an important component of the Austrian Empire and played a significant role in its history, particularly from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Laudon, who had achieved the rank of Field Marshal, was a highly respected and influential military figure in the Austrian forces during the mid-18th century. He is remembered for his exceptional military career and significant contributions to Austrian military victories, particularly during the Seven Years' War and the Ottoman-Austrian wars.
Laudon's death in Moravia is a notable aspect of his story. At the time, Moravia was a popular destination for Austrian nobility and elite seeking relaxation and recreation. The region offered a pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and therapeutic spa towns, making it an attractive retreat for those seeking respite from the demands of military and political life. Laudon himself owned property in Moravia and had developed a strong connection to the region. He found peace and solace there, away from the battlefields and the pressures of his military career.
During his final years, Laudon chose to reside in his beloved Moravia, surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the region. He owned an estate in Jarmeritz, a town renowned for its spa and natural springs, which offered a peaceful and relaxing environment for those seeking to restore their health. Laudon's decision to spend his final days in Moravia reflects his appreciation for the region's therapeutic qualities and his desire to find solace and comfort in the latter part of his life.
The exact cause of Laudon's death remains unknown, but it is speculated that he may have suffered from health complications common in elderly individuals of that time. Nonetheless, his passing in Moravia adds a poignant dimension to his story, highlighting the significance of this region in providing a peaceful conclusion to a life dedicated to military service. Laudon's death in Moravia serves as a reminder of the strong connection he forged with this region, and it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of its tranquil beauty, even for those who have led the most illustrious and demanding of lives.
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Frequently asked questions
Gideon Ernest, Baron von Laudon was an Austrian field marshal and one of the most successful Habsburg commanders during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and the Austro-Turkish War of 1787-91.
Laudon is buried in the grounds of Hadersdorf.
During the early rule of the Austrian Empire, Ukrainians in Austria enjoyed greater opportunities for their national development compared to those in Tsarist Russia. The Austrian rulers Maria Theresa and Joseph II initiated reforms and introduced imperial bureaucracy in Ukrainian regions, improving the position of Ukrainians.
