Battle of Maxen /

The Battle of Maxen (21 November 1759) was a battle at Maxen, Saxony in present-day Germany during the Seven Years' War. It resulted in the destruction of an entire Prussian army by a much larger Austrian force . The Prussian army of 14,000 men, commanded by Friedrich August von Finck (one of Frederick the Great's generals), was sent behind Austrian lines with the intention of cutting off their communication with Bohemia. Finck expected the Austrian general, Leopold von Daun, to withdraw once his lines were threatened. Instead Daun took advantage of Finck's isolation and cornered him between three separate armies, outnumbering his force. On 20 November the Austrians launched an attack, forcing Finck back off his strong position at Maxen. The Prussian retreat was blocked by the Austrians and, on 21 November, Finck was forced to surrender with his entire army.