Origins & Early Life

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.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

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...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• David Garrick — Contemporary (Born in 1717) (1717): Pioneering English actor, playwright, and theatre manager of the 18th century.
• Horace Walpole — Contemporary (Born in 1717) (1717): Whig politician, writer, and antiquarian known for Gothic revival and letters.
• Jean Le Rond d'Alembert — Contemporary (Born in 1717) (1717): Pioneering French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher known for the wave equation.
• Adam Smith — Contemporary (Died in 1790) (1790): Scottish philosopher and economist, considered the father of modern capitalism.
• Benjamin Franklin — Contemporary (Died in 1790) (1790): American polymath, Founding Father, and inventor who shaped the early United States.
• Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor — Contemporary (Died in 1790) (1790): Enlightened Absolutist Emperor who modernized the Habsburg Monarchy.
• Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah — Shared historical date (02-13 · Died) (1021): Sixth Fatimid Caliph and 16th Ismaili Imam, known for a controversial reign.
• Aung San — Shared historical date (02-13 · Born) (1915): Burmese politician and independence activist, considered the 'Father of the Nation' of Myanmar.
• Ante Pavelić — Shared historical date (07-14 · Born) (1889): Croatian politician and dictator of the Independent State of Croatia (1941-1945)
• Augustin-Jean Fresnel — Shared historical date (07-14 · Died) (1827): Pioneering optical physicist known for the wave theory of light and the invention of the Fresnel lens.
• 1717 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1717
• February 13 (02-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 13
• 1790 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1790
• July 14 (07-14) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 14