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COMMANDER // 1796–1877

Karl Friedrich von Steinmetz

generalKingdom of PrussiaNorth German Confederation6 battles2 wars

Lifespan

1796 – 1877

1800182518501875Austro-Prussian War · 1866Franco-Prussian War · 1870-1871Battle of Nachod — June 27, 1866 · Prussia · Austro-Prussian WarBattle of Schweinschädel — June 29, 1866 · Prussia · Austro-Prussian WarBattle of Skalitz — June 28, 1866 · Prussia · Austro-Prussian WarBattle of Borny-Colombey — August 14, 1870 · North German Confederation · Franco-Prussian WarBattle of Gravelotte — August 18, 1870 · North German Confederation · Franco-Prussian WarBattle of Spicheren — August 6, 1870 · North German Confederation · Franco-Prussian War

Active service 1866–1870 — 6 battles across 2 wars; first command at age 70.

Profile

Karl Friedrich von Steinmetz was a Prussian Generalfeldmarschall. He was born at Eisenach and joined the army of Prussia during the War of Liberation. Over the Seven Weeks' War he led the V Corps against Austria and became known as the Lion of Nachod for his victories as the Battles of Nachod, Skalitz, and Schweinschädel. Steinmetz commanded one of three armies assembled on the Rhine for the Franco-Prussian War, during which he quarreled with Prince Friedrich Karl. After the war he retired.

Source · Wikipedia · Q61474

Battles (6)

Last verified June 2026
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