Well-positioned Austrian artillery and musketry decimated the advancing Prussian columns.
Although Prussian cavalry initially drove back an Austrian counterattack, they were later crushed by fresh Austrian cavalry reserves. Kolin 1757: Frederick the Great's First Defeat
Prussia lost the strategic initiative; for much of the remaining war, Frederick was forced to react to the moves of the anti-Prussian coalition rather than dictating the conflict. Frederick’s plan relied on an oblique order attack
Frederick’s plan relied on an oblique order attack to outflank the Austrian right wing. However, the execution failed due to several tactical errors: Daun chose a strong defensive position on hills
After a costly victory at the in May 1757, Frederick besieged the city. However, the arrival of a relief army led by the methodical Marshal Daun forced Frederick to divide his forces to intercept the threat. Daun chose a strong defensive position on hills near Kolin , compelling Frederick to attack uphill against superior numbers. The Battle of Kolin: June 18, 1757