Old Fritz on the March!
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The year is 1756. The Prussia of Frederick II has absorbed the province of Silesia, recently conquered from the Austrian Empire. Frederick now eyes the rich Electorate of Saxony as his next acquisition. Saxony itself cannot resist the Prussian war machine, but neither Austria nor France can afford to allow the Electorate to be swallowed up. Austria is well aware that the fall of Saxony will be followed shortly after by an assault on the Imperial province of Bohemia. The loss of that province could conceivably lead to the fall of the Austrian monarchy. Moreover, the Empire is still smarting at the loss of Silesia to the Prussians and it would dearly like to recapture the province.
France, too, is uneasy about the growing power of Prussia. The government in Paris is well aware that any increase in Frederick's territory will increase his ability to wage war. Whilst there is enough in central Germany to keep Frederick occupied for years ahead, there is always the risk that he will strike westward. The French would dearly love a buffer against any future aggression on the part of the Prussian king - and western Germany would do nicely.
So far Elizabeth's Russia has refrained from joining the alliance. This situation may change in the near future. The Tsarina has no great love for the Prussians and will take notice of what her favourites tell her. Against which, the British and their Hanoverian allies may also be drawn into the conflict on the side of their fellow Protestants. Neither can afford to let the French get too close to Hanover and the hereditary lands of the British crown. For the moment, however, the allies will have their hands full coping with Frederick and his army.
Battle of Dassendorf