1758: Frederick Faces Holy Mother Russia — Zorndorf

Frederick viewed the Russians as "barbarians," expecting them to break under his sophisticated maneuvers. He was wrong.

The battle was defined not by clever maneuvers, but by sheer, desperate carnage. Zorndorf 1758: Frederick faces Holy Mother Russia

~43,000 men. Fermor formed a massive, hollow square—a "living fortress"—on high ground near the village of Zorndorf. Frederick viewed the Russians as "barbarians

Prussian infantry attacked through a murderous Russian artillery barrage. The Russian line held with fanatical bravery. but by sheer