Frederick the Great's Oblique Order

About

Frederick the Great's Oblique Order was a military tactic that emphasized speed and deception to defeat larger forces. This strategy involved strengthening one wing of the army to attack the enemy's flank while holding back another, smaller wing to threaten the enemy's main force. By doing so, Frederick could create a local superiority in numbers on the targeted flank, making it difficult for the enemy to respond effectively due to the slow maneuverability of line infantry formations. The Oblique Order required highly disciplined troops and a well-trained officer corps. It involved complex maneuvers such as "marching by lines" and "attacking in echelon," which allowed Frederick's army to execute the tactic effectively. Notable successes were achieved at battles like Hohenfriedberg and Leuthen, where numerical inferiority was overcome through strategic positioning and rapid deployment. However, the tactic's effectiveness waned as enemies became aware of its use and adapted countermeasures.