Frederick II Dies at Mollwitz

IOTL, Frederick the Great's first battle was almost a disaster, and he ended up fleeing the battlefield before his field marshal managed to bring about a victory.

Suppose the Prussians were somewhat more unlucky, and Frederick is killed attempting the flee, while his army ends up crumbling in defeat. Presumably Prussia seeks peace afterwards, and Austria retains Silesia.

Do the French and Bavarians start the War of Austrian Succession on their own in this case?
 
well ... Augustus William is the obvious heir, but contempary history paints him as a sub-par military commander.

Else, if you're looking for an early'ish death of Frederick II, i heartly suggest Disaster at Leuthen where he dies in the middle of OTL Seven Years War
 
I highly doubt Prussia being beaten, even Prussia being comically stomped into the dirt to the point that their King is killed, would even make France think twice about attacking Austria. They're still the primary Continental Rivals, and this is just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Now Bavaria might be a bit more hesitant, and Austria will be fighting from a much stronger position, both immediately, by not having Prussian Troops running roughshod over one of their richest provinces, but also in the long run because I don't think anyone else is going to be seizing that province. But I think in the end the sides will probably look rather similar, with maybe one or two different faces. Possibly Saxony, if they get a close look at the Prussian Defeat and realize that the Austrian Army is now battle hardened and right next door, they might hold off on joining, or not join at all. Bavaria is in the unenviable situation of being the primary contestant to the throne, so France will be pressuring them to join to make the conflict 'legitimate'.

It will also prevent the Diplomatic Revolution from happening because Prussia certainly won't be rising, so France and Austria remain outright enemies rather than uncomfortable buddies.
 
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