Seven Years' War

Contestants (Side 1):: Austria, France, and initally Russian

Contestants (Side 2):: Prussia, England, and eventually Russia (Russia switches sides)

Causes:: War of the Austrian Succession; Prussian desire for expansion

Course:: Siege of Pirna, Battle of Prague, Battle of Reichenberg

Siege of Pirna:: The Siege of Pirna (or Investment of Pirna) took place in 1756 as part of the Prussian invasion of Saxony during the Seven Years War. Following the occupation of the capital Dresden by Frederick the Great on 9 September the Saxon army had withdrawn south and taken up position at the fortress of Pirna under Frederick von Rutowski. The Saxons hoped to receive relief from the Austrian army which was across the border in neighbouring Bohemia under Marshal Browne.

Following the Battle of Lobositz the Austrians withdrew, and tried to approach Pirna by a different route but they failed to make contact with the defenders. Despite a Saxon attempt to escape by crossing the River Elbe, it soon became apparent that their position was hopeless. On 14 October Rutowski concluded a capitulation with Frederick.

Battle of Prague:: In the Battle of Prague or Battle of Štěrboholy, fought on 6 May 1757 during the Third Silesian War (Seven Years' War), Frederick the Great's 64,000 Prussians forced 60,000 Austrians to retreat, but having lost 14,300 men, decided he was not strong enough to attack Prague. 

Battle of Reichenberg::  Marshal von Bevern had entered Bohemia with a corps of 15,000 Prussians. At Reichenberg he encountered Königsegg's Austrian corps. The full Austrian corps consisted of 18,000 infantry and 4,900 cavalry, but only about 14,000 of them had been concentrated at Reichenberg.

The experienced Bevern defeated his opponent. As a result, Bevern captured large quantities of Austrian supplies and could continue his march on Prague.

Consequences:: The war ended after the treaties of Hubertusburg and Paris were signed in 1763. In the treaty of Paris, France gave Louisiana to Spain, as well as renouncing its right to Canada. Britain was given Spanish Florida, Upper Canada, and sundry French territories overseas. France was quite disgruntled at losing most of her empire.