Ernst Gideon von Laudon
Ernst Gideon von Laudon was born on February 2, 1717. See ranking, bio blurb, and everyone else born that day.
About Ernst Gideon von Laudon
Ernst Gideon von Laudon, since 1759 Freiherr von Laudon (originally Laudohn or Loudon; 13 February 1717 – 14 July 1790), was an Austrian military officer of Baltic German descent and one of the most successful opponents of the Prussian king Frederick the Great. Born in Swedish Livonia, which was soon ceded to Russia in the aftermath of the Great Northern War, Laudon joined the Imperial Russian Army in 1732 but became frustrated by its poor conditions and the lack of prospects. He eventually entered Austrian service and distinguished himself during the Second Silesian War against Prussia. The Seven Years' War catapulted Laudon to fame and saw his elevation to Austrian nobility by Empress Maria Theresa. He scored decisive victories over Frederick the Great's Prussian army at Kunersdorf and Landeshut, though his fortunes reversed when Frederick inflicted a major defeat upon him at Liegnitz. Laudon spent the decades following the peace in a state of semi-retirement. In 1788, despite his advanced age, he was recalled to active service to prosecute the Austro-Turkish War and scored a final victory with the capture of Belgrade. He was later appointed commander-in-chief of the Austrian armed forces by Emperor Leopold II but soon died on duty at the age of 73.