She had been proclaimed at Vienna on the 7th of November, 1740; all her father's states had sworn alliance and homage to her.

She had consented to take to the Hungarians the old oath of King Andreas II., which had been constantly refused by the house of Hapsburg: "If I, or any of my successors, at any time whatsoever, would infringe your privileges, be it permitted you, by virtue of this promise, you and your descendants, to defend yourselves, without being liable to be treated as rebels." When Frederick II., encamped in the midst of the conquered provinces, made a proposal to Maria Theresa to cede him Lower Silesia, to which his ancestors had always raised pretensions, assuring her, in return, of his amity and support, the young queen, deeply offended, replied haughtily that she defended her subjects, she did not sell them.

At the same time an Austrian army was advancing against the King of Prussia; it was commanded by Count Neipperg.

The encounter took place at Molwitz, on the banks of the Neiss.

For one instant Frederick, carried along by his routed cavalry, thought the battle was lost, and his first step towards glory an unlucky business.