The Silesian Wars were a series of wars between Prussia and Austria (and their changing allies) for control of Silesia. They formed parts of the larger War of the Austrian Succession and Seven Years War.

1st Silesian War (1740-1742)

Part of the War of the Austrian Succession. After a 2-month campaign, Prussian forces occupied Silesia, which belonged to the Czech Kingdom of the Austrian Empire. In 1741 the Prussians defeated the Austrians in the Battle of Mollwitz near Brieg. In the Peace of Breslau 1742 most of Silesia was ceded to Prussia and was organized into the Silesian province .

The southern portion of Silesia (with Karniow , Troppau and Teschen) remained under Habsburg control and was called Bohemian Silesia , and after 1849 Austrian Silesia . Small portions of Polish Silesia (Oswiecim, Zator, Zywiec and Siewierz) were not involved in this war.

Peace of Breslau 1742

Map of Silesia as divided between Prussia, Bohemia-Austria and Poland after the Peace of Breslau of 1742, which ended the first Silesian War.

• The red line shows the historical boundaries of Silesia that were stable for some 1000 years.
• The grey area shows the major part of Silesia acquired by Prussia from Austria-Bohemia in the Peace of Wroclaw (1742), as a result of the First Silesian War;
• The yellow area shows the remainder of Bohemian-Austrian Silesia. It was called Bohemian Silesia up to 1849, and then Austrian Silesia. The map show the cities of Opava, Karniow and Cieszyn;
• The Red/Orange area shows Polish Silesia: the duchies of Oswiecim and Zator, with Biala, later Bielsko-Biala - all shown on the map; and also the duchy of Siewierz.

2nd Silesian War (1744-1745)

The Austrians attempt to get-back the lost province. The peace of Dresden confirms the Prussian possessions in Silesia.

3rd Silesian War (1756-1763)

This is a part of the all European Seven Years' War, Austria tries to get back Silesia for the second time, but is abandoned by her ally Russia. Prussia confirms her Silesian possesions for the next 150 years.