Battle of Mollwitz: April 10, 1741

The Battle of Mollwitz, fought on April 10, 1741, was a significant early engagement in the War of the Austrian Succession. This battle marked the first major victory for Prussian forces under the command of King Frederick II, known as Frederick the Great, against the Austrian army. The conflict set the stage for Frederick’s military reputation and the rise of Prussia as a European power.

Context and Background

The War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) was triggered by the death of Emperor Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire in 1740. His daughter, Maria Theresa, ascended to the Habsburg throne, but her succession was contested by several European powers, including Prussia, which sought to expand its influence and territory.

Frederick the Great, newly crowned King of Prussia, saw an opportunity to assert his claims over the rich province of Silesia, a region under Austrian control. In December 1740, Frederick invaded Silesia, initiating hostilities that would lead to the broader conflict of the War of the Austrian Succession.

The Battle

• Location: The battle took place near the village of Mollwitz, in present-day Poland.
• Forces Involved: The Prussian army, numbering approximately 20,000 men, faced an Austrian force of about 19,000 troops.
• Commanders: Frederick the Great led the Prussian forces, while the Austrian army was commanded by Field Marshal Wilhelm Reinhard von Neipperg.

Key Events

1. Initial Engagement: The battle began with a Prussian cavalry charge, which was repelled by the Austrians. This initial setback forced Frederick to reconsider his tactics.

2. Infantry Maneuvers: The Prussian infantry, renowned for its discipline and effective use of linear tactics, played a crucial role. Despite the initial cavalry failure, the Prussian infantry managed to hold their ground and counter the Austrian advances.

3. Frederick’s Withdrawal: At one point, Frederick, inexperienced in battle, was advised to leave the field to avoid capture. He handed command to Field Marshal Kurt Christoph Graf von Schwerin, who effectively led the Prussian forces to victory.

4. Austrian Retreat: The disciplined Prussian infantry and effective artillery fire eventually forced the Austrians to retreat, securing a Prussian victory.

Aftermath and Significance

• Prussian Victory: The victory at Mollwitz established Frederick the Great’s reputation as a formidable military leader and demonstrated the effectiveness of the Prussian military reforms.

• Strategic Gains: The battle solidified Prussian control over Silesia, a strategically and economically valuable region, and set the stage for further Prussian expansion.

• Impact on the War: The success at Mollwitz encouraged other European powers to reconsider their alliances and strategies, influencing the broader dynamics of the War of the Austrian Succession.

• Legacy: The battle underscored the emergence of Prussia as a major European power and highlighted the importance of military innovation and leadership in 18th-century warfare.

The Battle of Mollwitz was a pivotal moment in European history, marking the rise of Prussia and altering the balance of power on the continent. Frederick the Great’s leadership and the effectiveness of the Prussian military would continue to shape European conflicts for decades to come.