History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Volume 20

Name: History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Volume 20
Author: Thomas Carlyle

The narrative details the critical events of the 1760 campaign during the Seven Years' War, focusing on Friedrich II of Prussia's military strategies and challenges. The campaign is marked by Friedrich's attempts to defend his territories against overwhelming Austrian and Russian forces, particularly after the disastrous defeat at Kunersdorf. Friedrich's military prowess is highlighted through his remarkable marches and tactical maneuvers, which often outsmart his numerically superior enemies. The campaign begins with Friedrich's strategic positioning in Saxony, where he anticipates enemy movements and prepares for potential confrontations. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including the loss of key territories and the challenges of maintaining supply lines, Friedrich remains resolute in his efforts to defend Prussia. The narrative captures the essence of military leadership, showcasing Friedrich's ability to inspire his troops and adapt to rapidly changing battlefield conditions. His reliance on speed and surprise becomes a hallmark of his strategy, allowing him to execute unexpected maneuvers that often catch his opponents off guard. As the campaign progresses, Friedrich's forces engage in several significant battles, including the Battle of Liegnitz, where he faces off against Daun's well-entrenched army. The narrative emphasizes the intensity of these encounters, detailing the heavy casualties on both sides and the psychological toll on the soldiers. Friedrich's determination to avoid a humiliating defeat drives him to take bold risks, even as the odds stack against him. The text also explores the broader implications of the campaign, including the shifting alliances and the impact of external pressures from other European powers. The narrative culminates in a series of desperate maneuvers as Friedrich seeks to regain control over lost territories and secure his position against the encroaching forces of Daun and Lacy. Ultimately, the campaign serves as a testament to Friedrich's resilience and tactical ingenuity, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The narrative concludes with a reflection on the costs of war, both in terms of human life and the broader geopolitical landscape, leaving readers with a sense of the complexities and challenges faced by military leaders during this tumultuous period in history.

By Thomas Carlyle · First published 1864 · Genre: Biography, History, Political Science · 13 chapters · 160,919 words

First lines

There were yet, to the world's surprise and regret, Three Campaigns of this War; but the Campaign 1760, which we are now upon, was what produced or rendered possible the other two; -- was the crisis of them, and is now the only one that can require much narrative from us here. Ill-luck, which, Friedrich complains, had followed him like his shadow, in a strange and fateful manner, from the day of Kunersdorf and earlier, does not yet cease its sad company; but, on the contrary, for long months to come, is more constant than ever, baffling every effort of his own, and from the distance sending him news of mere disaster and discomfiture. It is in this Campaign, though not till far on in it, that the long lane does prove to have a turning, and the Fortune of War recovers its old impartial form. After which, things visibly languish: and the hope of ruining such a Friedrich becomes problematic, the effort to do it slackens also; the very will abating, on the Austrian part, year by year, as of course the strength of their resources is still more steadily doing. To the last, Friedrich, the weaker in material resources, needs all his talent, -- all his luck too. But, as the strength, on both sides, is fast abating, -- hard to say on which side faster (Friedrich's talent being always a FIXED quantity, while all else is fluctuating and vanishing), -- what remains of the once terrible Affair, through Campaigns Sixth and Seventh, is like a race between spent horses, little to be said of it in comparison. Campaign 1760 is the last of any outward eminence or greatness of event. Let us diligently follow that, and be compendious with the remainder.

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History of Friedrich II of Prussia, Volume 20 is listed on Textopian as a novel by Thomas Carlyle, dated 1864 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Thomas Carlyle
Date: 1864 CE
Language: English
Genres: Biography, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Literary Non-Fiction
Length: 160,919 words
Structure: 13 chapters, 754 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Biography — The book provides a detailed account of the life and reign of Friedrich II of Prussia.
History — It explores historical events and contexts during Friedrich II's rule.
Political Science — The text analyzes political strategies and governance under Friedrich II.
Philosophy — Carlyle's reflections on leadership and power offer philosophical insights.