The Treaty of Breslau was a preliminary peace agreement concluded on 11 June 1742 at the Silesian capital of Breslau (present‑day Wrocław, Poland). It ended hostilities between the Habsburg Monarchy, represented by Archduchess Maria Theresa, and the Kingdom of Prussia, represented by King Frederick II, that had arisen during the First Silesian War (1740–1742), a theater of the larger War of the Austrian Succession.
Background
Following the death of Emperor Charles VI in 1740, Maria Theresa inherited the Habsburg dominions under the Pragmatic Sanction. Frederick II of Prussia seized the opportunity to claim the wealthy province of Silesia, initiating a conflict that saw Prussian forces occupy most of Upper and Lower Silesia. While Austria fought simultaneously on several fronts—against France, Bavaria, and other claimants—the loss of Silesia threatened its strategic and economic position.
Provisions
The treaty required Austria to cede the majority of Silesia to Prussia, including:
- Most of Upper Silesia (including the industrial centers of Breslau and Gleiwitz)
- Most of Lower Silesia
- The Bohemian County of Kladsko (Glatz)
In return, Prussia agreed to cease its military operations against Austrian forces. The agreement was intended as a temporary settlement pending a final peace; it paved the way for the subsequent Treaty of Berlin, signed in July 1742, which confirmed and detailed the territorial changes.
Significance
The Treaty of Breslau marked a decisive shift in Central European power dynamics. By acquiring Silesia, Prussia gained substantial economic resources and elevated its status as a great power, while Austria was forced to concentrate on other fronts of the war and later pursue diplomatic efforts to recover lost territories.
Subsequent developments
The terms of Breslau were ratified by the Treaty of Berlin (12 July 1742). The loss of Silesia remained a point of contention in Austro‑Prussian relations, contributing to future conflicts such as the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763).