Some similarities with Fredric II invasion and annexation of Silesia.
Peter Jason <pj@jostle.com> wrote:
Some similarities with Fredric II invasion and annexation of Silesia.
Bah, you don't have to go that far back. Ukraine went from almost a
Russian puppet government to trying to threaten them with NATO, all
on Putin's watch. A major failure of his foreign policy which he
tried to recover from, before he lost his domestic public image as
a strong leader, by launching a quick invasion. Now if Russia
loses the war he knows the precident of how Russia's defeat in the >Russo-Japanese War was the beginning of the end for the Tsars, and
losing their war in Afghanistan contrubuted to the collapse of the
communist government. He'd be next for the chop if he can't claim
some sort of win in Ukraine.
Of course if Zelenskiy hadn't been trying to prop up support for
his own ineffective and corrupt government by playing the same
tough man game and trying to claim he could now get leverage over
Putin by joining NATO, it wouldn't have happened.
Some similarities with Fredric II invasion and annexation of Silesia.And even more with what Adolf got up to
From ChatBot...--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
Frederick II of Prussia (rCLFrederick the GreatrCY) invaded and ultimately annexed **Silesia** in **1740rCo1742** for a mix of **strategic,> economic, dynastic, and political** reasons. HererCOs the breakdown:
---
### 1. Strategic and Military Security
Silesia lay directly south of PrussiarCOs core territories
(Brandenburg). Controlling it:
* Removed a potential **Austrian invasion route**
* Gave Prussia a **more defensible frontier**
* Strengthened PrussiarCOs position in Central Europe
Frederick believed Prussia could not be secure while Austria held such> a strategically important region nearby.
---
### 2. Economic Value
Silesia was one of the **richest provinces in Central Europe**:
* Fertile farmland
* Thriving textile and mining industries
* Large population that could provide **tax revenue and soldiers**
For a relatively small state like Prussia, this economic boost was transformative.
---
### 3. Dynastic and Legal Claims (a Justification)
Frederick claimed that the Hohenzollern dynasty had **old inheritance rights** to parts of Silesia based on medieval treaties and marriages.> While these claims were **legally weak**, they provided a **diplomatic> pretext** for invasion rather than being the true motivation.
---
### 4. Political Opportunity (Timing)
Frederick acted immediately after:
* **Emperor Charles VI died in 1740**
* His daughter **Maria Theresa** inherited the Habsburg lands
Many European powers doubted a woman could successfully rule Austria. Frederick saw this as a moment of **Habsburg vulnerability** and moved> quickly before Austria could fully mobilize.
---
### 5. Ambition and Prestige
Frederick was a new king (he became king in 1740) and wanted to:
* Prove himself as a **military leader**
* Elevate Prussia from a secondary power to a **great European state**>
A successful war would bring both territory and international respect.>
---
### Outcome
* Prussia seized most of Silesia during the **War of the Austrian Succession**
* Austria formally ceded it in the **Treaty of Breslau (1742)**
* Austria later tried to regain Silesia in the **Seven YearsrCO War (1756rCo1763)** but failed
Holding Silesia permanently turned Prussia into a **major European
power**.
---
GreatrCohererCOs **why Austria never managed to regain Silesia**, even
though it tried very hard.
---
## 1. Prussia Became Militarily Too Strong
After taking Silesia, Frederick the Great used its wealth to build:
* One of the **best-trained armies in Europe**
* A highly efficient system of **taxation and administration**
By the time Austria seriously tried to recover Silesia, Prussia was no> longer a small staterCoit was a **top-tier military power**, especially
strong in infantry tactics and discipline.
---
## 2. FrederickrCOs Military Leadership
Frederick himself was an exceptional battlefield commander:
* He moved armies quickly
* Chose terrain carefully
* Often defeated **larger Austrian forces** (e.g., at Leuthen in 1757)>
Even when Austria had numerical advantages, FrederickrCOs tactics often
made the difference.
---
## 3. Diplomatic Isolation DidnrCOt Last Long Enough
Austria did attempt to box Prussia in diplomatically:
* During the **Seven YearsrCO War**, Austria allied with **France and Russia**
* This was part of a major shift in alliances known as the
**Diplomatic Revolution**
However:
* Britain supported Prussia financially and militarily
* Russia unexpectedly **withdrew from the war in 1762** after a change> of ruler, removing AustriarCOs most dangerous ally against Prussia
That single event badly weakened AustriarCOs chances.
---
## 4. Geography Favored the Defender
Once Prussia controlled Silesia:
* It built **fortifications**
* Controlled key roads and supply routes
* Could reinforce the region quickly from nearby territories
Austria, attacking from farther away, had **longer supply lines**,
which made sustained campaigns difficult.
---
## 5. War Fatigue and Cost
The Seven YearsrCO War was extremely expensive and destructive:
* Austria suffered major losses
* Its economy was strained
* Repeated campaigns produced **no decisive breakthrough**
Eventually, Austria had to accept that continuing the war was not
worth the cost.
---
## 6. International Recognition of the Status Quo
At the **Treaty of Hubertusburg (1763)**:
* Austria formally recognized PrussiarCOs possession of Silesia
* European powers accepted Prussia as a **permanent great power**
From that point on, trying to retake Silesia would have risked a wider> European war with little chance of success.
---
## Big Picture
Austria didnrCOt fail because it lacked effortrCoit failed because:
* Prussia had become **too strong**
* Frederick was **too effective**
* AustriarCOs allies proved **unreliable**
* The cost of continued war outweighed the potential gain
SilesiarCOs loss marked the **end of Habsburg dominance in Germany** and
the **rise of Prussia**, a rivalry that would shape German and
European history for the next 150 years.
If you want, I can also explain how this rivalry eventually led to
**German unification**, or compare Frederick with **Maria Theresa** as> rulers.
Peter Jason <pj@jostle.com> wrote
Some similarities with Fredric II invasion and annexation of Silesia.
Bah, you don't have to go that far back. Ukraine went from almost a
Russian puppet government to trying to threaten them with NATO,
all on Putin's watch. A major failure of his foreign policy which he
tried to recover from, before he lost his domestic public image as
a strong leader, by launching a quick invasion. Now if Russia
loses the war he knows the precident of how Russia's defeat in the Russo-Japanese War was the beginning of the end for the Tsars,
and losing their war in Afghanistan contrubuted to the collapse of the communist government.
He'd be next for the chop if he can't claim some sort of win in Ukraine.
Of course if Zelenskiy hadn't been trying to prop up support for
his own ineffective and corrupt government by playing the same
tough man game and trying to claim he could now get leverage over
Putin by joining NATO, it wouldn't have happened.
not@telling.you.invalid (Computer Nerd Kev) wroteThat was never possible
Peter Jason <pj@jostle.com> wroteOf course it beggars all belief how Putin (ex KGB) didn't prepare for
Some similarities with Fredric II invasion and annexation of Silesia.Bah, you don't have to go that far back. Ukraine went from almost a
Russian puppet government to trying to threaten them with NATO, all
on Putin's watch. A major failure of his foreign policy which he
tried to recover from, before he lost his domestic public image as
a strong leader, by launching a quick invasion. Now if Russia
loses the war he knows the precident of how Russia's defeat in the
Russo-Japanese War was the beginning of the end for the Tsars, and
losing their war in Afghanistan contrubuted to the collapse of the
communist government. He'd be next for the chop if he can't claim
some sort of win in Ukraine.
Of course if Zelenskiy hadn't been trying to prop up support for
his own ineffective and corrupt government by playing the same
tough man game and trying to claim he could now get leverage over
Putin by joining NATO, it wouldn't have happened.
the invasion by eliminating relevent principals in Ukraine.
Chatbot gives a summary, and the Bismarck/Roon defeat of France in--- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
1970 is an example...
Here are the four major requirements before engaging in war in terms
of preparations:
1. Intelligence and Espionage
Gathering Information: One of the most crucial steps in preparing for
war is obtaining reliable intelligence about the enemy. This includes information on their military capabilities, troop movements, strategic> alliances, and economic stability.
Espionage: Engaging in covert operations to infiltrate or spy on the
enemy is common. This can involve gathering data on their plans,
disrupting their communications, or even sowing disinformation to
confuse or destabilize their leadership.
Cyber Intelligence: In modern times, cyber warfare is a significant
part of espionage, involving hacking into systems to steal sensitive information, sabotage critical infrastructure, or spread
misinformation.
2. Military and Logistical Preparation (Hardware)
Mobilizing Armed Forces: The nation must have sufficient military
personnel, equipment, and weapons. This includes everything from
soldiers, tanks, aircraft, and ships, to specialized forces like intelligence, engineering, and medical teams.
Weaponry and Technology: Stockpiling weapons, ammunition, and advanced> technologies (like drones, cyber weapons, and missile defense systems)> is crucial. Nations often invest heavily in new technologies to gain a> strategic advantage.
Logistical Infrastructure: War requires a robust supply chain to
ensure that troops have food, medical supplies, and weapons at the
front lines. This includes preparing transport networks, warehouses,
and communication systems to coordinate these efforts.
3. Obfuscation and Deception
Military Deception (Camouflage): Misleading the enemy about troop
movements, intentions, or capabilities can give a significant
advantage. This can include fake military units, misinformation
campaigns, or decoy attacks.
Strategic Obfuscation: Creating confusion and distraction to hide the
true objectives of the war is a key part of military strategy. This
might include misleading public statements, using propaganda, or
feigning weakness in certain areas to lure the enemy into a false
sense of security.
Cyber Operations: Deception is also carried out through cyber tactics,> such as sending false information to the enemy or disrupting their
communications and intelligence networks.
4. Economic and Political Mobilization
Economic Preparation: War is costly, so itrCOs crucial to ensure the
nation has enough financial resources to sustain a prolonged conflict.> This includes preparing for wartime production (such as producing
weapons and ammunition), securing trade routes, and managing inflation> or other economic impacts.
Political Consensus and Alliances: Before engaging in war, a country
often seeks to secure support from allies or neutral nations. This
could involve diplomatic negotiations, treaties, or military alliances> (e.g., NATO). Also, the nation must maintain internal political
stability to ensure public support for the war effort.
Propaganda and Morale: Keeping the civilian population and soldiers
motivated is key. Governments often use propaganda to maintain morale
and unity, both domestically and internationally. This can involve emphasizing national pride, demonizing the enemy, or promising quick
victory.
In summary, war preparation involves a mix of gathering intelligence, mobilizing military resources, misleading the enemy, and ensuring
economic and political stability. These factors all work together to
make a nation ready for the complexity of war.
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