History of Friedrich II of Prussia V15 Part 1

English Summary. As the Second Silesian War unfolds within the wider European conflict the crisis sharpens with Prince Karl’s crossing of the Rhine and Frederick resolves to intervene launching a rapid campaign that captures Prague and presses into Bohemia. Yet French hesitation and the seasoned skill of Austrian commanders force him to abandon his Moldau conquests and retreat behind the Sazawa and ultimately the Elbe after strenuous and costly maneuvering. Throughout the winter he rebuilds his strength while diplomacy and shifting alliances including the Union and Treaty of Warsaw complicate the political landscape. Meanwhile the Battle of Fontenoy signals the widening continental scale of the struggle as Frederick prepares for the next decisive phase.