Maurice de Saxe Maurice de Saxe (1696–1750) commanded the French assault on and capture of Prague during the War of the Austrian Succession. Giraudon/Art Resource, New York. (more) Battle of Prague European history [1741] Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Print Cite verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style MLA APA Chicago Manual of Style Copy Citation Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Prague-1741 Feedback Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by R.G. Grant R.G. Grant is a historian who has written extensively on many aspects and periods of history. His work appears in Encyclopaedia Britannica as part of a joint publishing agreement with the publisher of... R.G. Grant Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Nov 27, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Quick Facts Date: November 25, 1741 - November 26, 1741 (Show more) Location: Bohemia Prague (Show more) Participants: Austria France (Show more) Context: War of the Austrian Succession (Show more) Key People: Charles VII (Show more) See all related content The armies of 18th-century Europe have often been described as unimaginative, slow-moving, and inflexible. The French seizure of Prague during the War of the Austrian Succession, on November 25–26, 1741, defies these stereotypes; it was an operation using speed and stealth to achieve success with minimal casualties.

　　While the Prussians invaded Silesia, France sent an army under the command of the Duke of Belle-Isle to attack the Austrian Empire, supporting the claim of Elector Charles Albert of Bavaria to the Austrian throne. Along with Bavarian and Saxon contingents, the French first marched on Vienna but then veered off into Bohemia, a part of the Austrian Empire.

　　The Austrians lost track of a French corps, led by Maurice de Saxe, advancing on the Bohemian capital, Prague. An experienced commander renowned for his intellectual grasp of the principles of war, Saxe discreetly went forward to reconnoiter the walled city’s defenses in person and recognized the chance for a surprise operation. Calling to his side one of his boldest officers, Colonel François de Chevert, he outlined a plan for a body of grenadiers to assault the walls by night. In order to avoid alerting the Prague garrison, the assault would be made without firing muskets; only bayonets were used to dispatch the soldiers on guard duty.

　　War of the Austrian Succession Events keyboard_arrow_left

　　War of Jenkins’ Ear October 1739 - 1748

　　Battle of Prague November 25, 1741 - November 26, 1741

　　King George’s War 1744 - 1748

　　Battle of Fontenoy May 11, 1745

　　Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle October 18, 1748 keyboard_arrow_right On the night of November 25–26, Chevert and his men climbed ladders onto the parapet of a poorly defended section of the walls and had taken possession before the garrison realized what was afoot. The city gate was opened, and Saxe’s cavalry rode in, leaving Prague’s defenders no choice but to surrender. Charles Albert was crowned king of Bohemia the following day and later, briefly, held the title of Holy Roman Emperor. The French held Prague until December 1742, when Austrian forces retook the city.