Why did Prussia battle Austria during the 1700s?
For the same reasons, most wars happen – it wanted to gain something, territories in particular, and saw, the situation was good to attack. The Seven Years War was about the possesion of Silesia, in the first place, which was owned by Austria. Frederick II thought, it was a good opportunity, when Maria Theresa was enthroned and knew, he had the stronger army. There may have been some side issues, like the leading position in Germany (which was the main reason for the conflicts in 19th century), austrian absolutism vs prussian enlightened monarchy or the different confessions, but it were no deciding factors.
