Schwerin’s Big Moment

The young Frederick II touched off the War of the Austrian Succession on December 16, 1740 with his invasion of Silesia. However, Maria Theresa was determined to regain her lost province. She released Wilhelm von Neipperg from prison and gave …

1741-04-14

FW01

The young Frederick II touched off the War of the Austrian Succession on December 16, 1740 with his invasion of Silesia. However, Maria Theresa was determined to regain her lost province. She released Wilhelm von Neipperg from prison and gave him a small army and orders to drive out Frederick. At Mollwitz, Frederick surprised Neipperg, but instead of attacking he decided to slowly deploy his army. Neipperg quickly gathered his forces and attacked Frederick's flank with his cavalry. At first all seemed lost and the inexperienced Frederick II panicked, prompting the veteran general Kurt von Schwerin to send Frederick away, lest the troops lose heart. Schwerin, who, when asked to withdraw, replied, “We'll retreat over the bodies of our enemies.” His leadership, and the superbly trained Prussian infantry won the day. Mollwitz temporarily secured Silesia for Frederick, but Maria was not yet willing to give up the game and Frederick had not yet proven his worth.

Mollwitz, Silesia

The Battle of Mollwitz was fought by Prussia and Austria on 10 April 1741, during the First Silesian War (in the early stages of the War of the Austrian Succession). It was the first battle of the new Prussian King Frederick II, in which both sides made numerous military blunders but the Prussian Army still managed to attain victory. This battle cemented Frederick's authority over the newly conquered territory of Silesia and gave him valuable military experience.

Wikipedia: Battle of Mollwitz

Prussian

Austrian