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How did Frederick II of Prussia gain control of Silesia before the Seven Years’ War?

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Seven Years' War: Battle of Zorndorf — Seven Years’ War Frederick II leading his Prussian troops against Russians at the Battle of Zorndorf during the Seven Years' War, August 25, 1758.

Frederick II of Prussia gained control of Silesia through the Silesian Wars, which occurred prior to the Seven Years’ War.

In December 1740, Frederick II invaded the Austrian province of Silesia, citing an old Brandenburg testamentary claim to the territory. Following his initial invasion and subsequent military engagements, he secured virtual control of the region by the Truce of Klein Schnellendorf in October 1741.1

The empress Maria Theresa of Austria eventually ceded most of Silesia to Prussia in the Treaty of Breslau in June 1742. Frederick’s hold on the province was further solidified following his victories in the Second Silesian War, which were formally confirmed by the Treaty of Dresden in December 1745.1