Frederick had previously occupied Dresden in 1756 during his Invasion of Saxony, which had triggered the outbreak of war.

Frederick now targeted it in an attempt to reassert control over Saxony where he had expansionist territorial ambitions.

The Prussian army reached the outskirts of Dresden on 13 July followed closely by a corps of Austrian troops under Count von Lacy.

[2] Deciding to move and confront the threatening army of Daun, Frederick abandoned his attempt to reoccupy the city and withdrew.

In particular, his destruction of the Elector of Saxony's gardens at Pirna in the wake of the siege, drew criticism.