Battle of Focșani(1789)
Exact site. The pin marks a documented battlefield location rather than a broad area.
Câmpurile lângă orașul Focșani
Coordinate source: Wikidata 45°42'0"N 27°10'47"E
Background
Russia and Austria formed an alliance to attack the Ottoman Empire in 1787. Suvorov received orders to join Coburg and destroy the Ottoman forces in Wallachia.
Campaign: Russo-Austro-Turkish War 1787–1792
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Suvorov forced a 65 km march in 27 hours to unite with Coburg's Austrians, then immediately attacked the numerically superior Ottoman force at Focșani. The combined allied army crushed the Ottomans in an exemplary offensive action.
The Battle of Focșani took place during the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792) on 1 August 1789 between the Ottoman Empire and the alliance of the Russian Empire and the Habsburg monarchy near Focșani, Moldova. The Russians were led by Alexander Suvorov, the Austrians by Prince Josias of Coburg, and the Ottomans by Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha.
Casualties & Outcome
Approximately 600 allied casualties (Russians and Austrians); approximately 1,600 Ottoman casualties
Russia / Habsburg Austria achieved victory over Ottoman Empire.
With Osman Pasha beaten and driven from Moldova, Yusuf Pasha's replacement as Grand Vizier, Cenaze Hasan Pasha, had to come up with a new strategy. In September, the Vizier himself went on the offensive with 100,000 men. Again, Suvorov joined Coburg, and the result was a great allied victory at the Battle of Rymnik.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
The first great combined Russo-Austrian victory of the 1787–1792 War; it established Suvorov's legendary reputation for speed and offensive boldness; it opened the Prut-Siret corridor for the allied advance southward.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Focșani?
- The Battle of Focșani took place in 1789. 21 Jul 1789 (O.S.) / 1 Aug 1789 (N.S.).
- What was the outcome of the Battle of Focșani?
- The Russia / Habsburg Austria were victorious against the Ottoman Empire.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Focșani?
- The first great combined Russo-Austrian victory of the 1787–1792 War; it established Suvorov's legendary reputation for speed and offensive boldness; it opened the Prut-Siret corridor for the allied advance southward.