Frederick the Great’s invasion of Silesia in 1740 was primarily motivated by the desire to unify his lands and gain control of the wealthy and strategically important region of Silesia, despite his claim to dispute the legitimacy of Maria Theresa’s succession. His stated rationale for the invasion was based on the Treaty of Brieg from 1537, in which the Hohenzollerns were set to inherit the Duchy of Brieg, but that treaty had been rejected by the Habsburgs. Frederick’s ambitions were not simply to contest the Habsburg rule but to consolidate power and expand Prussian influence in Europe.
His invasion marked the beginning of the War of Austrian Succession, which escalated into a broader European conflict. By 1742, Prussia had claimed victory in the First Silesian War, solidifying control over most of Silesia through the Treaty of Breslau. After resuming conflict in 1744 with the Second Silesian War, Frederick again successfully defended his claims, and the war concluded with the Treaty of Dresden in 1745, cementing his control over Silesia while recognizing Francis I as Holy Roman Emperor.
Although Frederick justified his actions based on legal pretexts, his actual goals revolved around strengthening Prussia’s position and securing his rule over valuable territories.
