Charles William Ferdinand

Charles William Ferdinand served as a general under Frederick the Great during the Seven Years' War. He distinguished himself in several battles, including the Battle of Rossbach, gaining a reputation as a capable military commander.

As commander of the Allied army during the French Revolutionary Wars, Charles William Ferdinand issued the Brunswick Manifesto, threatening Paris with destruction if the French royal family was harmed. This document backfired, galvanizing French resistance and contributing to the fall of the monarchy.

Charles William Ferdinand, as Prussian field marshal, commanded the main Prussian army at the Battle of Auerstedt against Napoleon's forces. The Prussian army was decisively defeated, and Charles William Ferdinand was mortally wounded, dying two days later.