WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -What is known collectively as the War of the Austrian Succession began on Dec. 16, 1740, when Frederick II of Prussia invaded Silesia, one of the richest Habsburg provinces. His army defeated the Austrians at Mollwitz in April 1741 and overran Silesia.

Detailed explanation-2: -Outbreak. In December 1740, King Frederick II of Prussia invaded the Austrian province of Silesia. This sparked a conflict that eventually saw Prussia ally itself with France, Bavaria, Spain, Sweden and Saxony.

Detailed explanation-3: -Silesia was originally a Polish province, which became a possession of the Bohemian crown in 1335, passed with that crown to the Austrian Habsburgs in 1526, and was taken by Prussia in 1742.

Detailed explanation-4: -Silesian Wars, 18th-century contests between Austria and Prussia for the possession of Silesia. The First Silesian War (1740–42) and the Second Silesian War (1744–45) formed parts of the great European struggle called the War of the Austrian Succession (see Austrian Succession, War of the).

Detailed explanation-5: -The War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48) included conflict in Europe, North America and India. The military operations in North America are known as King George’s War (1744–48). The War of the Austrian Succession (1740–48) included conflict in Europe, North America and India.