On 17 May 1742 Frederick the Great's Prussians fought Charles of Lorraine's Austrians at Chotusitz in Bohemia. The battle is generally considered a Prussian victory, but its effect on the war was small. Within weeks the Treaty of Breslau ended the First Silesian War.
Two armies of roughly equal size
According to HistoryOfWar.org, Frederick had about 28,000 men against about 30,000 under Charles of Lorraine. Austria lost 5,100 to 7,000 dead, wounded or missing and 1,200 prisoners. Prussia lost 4,900 to 7,000 dead, wounded or missing.1
Charles ordered a retreat toward Čáslav, leaving some heavy guns behind.
The treaty
The Treaty of Breslau, signed in June 1742, ended the First Silesian War. Prussian troops left Bohemia, and Austria recaptured Prague in December 1742.
Also on this day
1395: Battle of Rovine. The Wallachian army of Mircea the Elder met the far larger invading army of Sultan Bayezid I, which included Serbian vassal lords.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the Battle of Chotusitz?
It was fought on 17 May 1742 at Chotusice (also Chotusitz), near Čáslav in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic.
Who won the Battle of Chotusitz?
It is generally considered a Prussian victory under Frederick the Great, though its effect on the war was small.
What did the battle lead to?
The Treaty of Breslau, signed in June 1742, ended the First Silesian War.
Notes
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