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The Eagle Never Fails TL: Prussia loses the War of Austrian Succession
The War of Austrian Succession (1740-2): The War of Austrian Succession began in 1740 as Prussia objected to the Pragmatic Sanction and the succession of Maria Theresa. Austria was supported by the naval powers of Great Britain and the Dutch Republic. The first action of the war was the Prussian invasion of Silesia. The Prussian forces swiftly advanced across Silesia and by winter had occupied the majority of the Silesian fortresses. The Austrian counter-offensive under General Wilhelm Reinhard von Neipperg relieved the siege of Neisse and marched on Brieg threatening to encircle the Prussians and cut them off from their homeland. On the 10th April 1741 the Prussian forces under Frederick II met the Austrians at the snow covered fields of Mollwitz. The Austrian forces were, conveniently, lined up in the correct formation even before the Prussian army was sighted. The Austrian cavalry charge decimated their Prussian counterparts and captured Frederick II. Unaware of his King’s capture General von Schwerin attempted to hold the Prussian infantry line against the General Rommer’s cavalry. They succeeded in driving the cavalry back, but suffered heavy losses which were increased by the Austrian artillery. Neipperg then ordered the Austrian infantry to advance, the Prussian infantry surrounded by the Austrians and suffering heavy losses surrendered after Schwerin was killed by an Austrian shell. The Battle of Mollwitz had ended in a resounding Austrian victory. The capture of Frederick II and death of the Prussian Chief of Staff von Schwerin would result in the defeat of the Prussian Silesia Campaign. After the battle Neipperg reported that he had been inspired by the efforts of a white-tailed eagle in its seemingly fruitless hunt for food, to find the Prussians, despite the mass of snow. He was then quoted with saying to his second-in-command "See that, the eagle never fails and nor must we." This became the Hapsburg Military's motto. The Austrian forces have suffered 5300 men dead, but had destroyed the Prussian army and captured their king. After reinforcements arrived from Bohemia (freed up by the lack of France forces in Bavaria unlike OTL) Neipperg mopped up the remaining Prussian garrisons who were heavily demoralised by the capture of their king. Frederick William II had been appointed regent, but did not inspire confidence among the troops in their current state. Thus 2 of the garrisons surrendered with a fight.
Under the Treaty of Vienna: 1.The Prussian territories in western Germany are partitioned between Austria, Hanover and the Palatine. (In exchange for Minden, the Palatine agrees to vote for Maria Theresa/ her husband in the up coming imperial election.) 2.Saxony awarded a strip of land to connect Saxony with Poland. 3. Prussia forced to vote for Maria Theresa/husband in the imperial election. France was left regretting its decision to join Prussia against Austria, Germany was now dominated by Austria, who were also allied with a long time French enemy the British. What would happen next? Only time would tell. Europe after the Treaty of Vienna 1742: OOC: Hope you guys enjoy my new TL. Feel free to offer constructive criticism and advice. NB: This has been updated to remove things such as the invasion of Saxony and Bavaria and also the subsequent annexation of Bavaria.