 As Austria was short of experienced military commanders , Maria Theresa released Marshall Neipperg , who had been imprisoned by her father for his poor performance in the Turkish War . Neipperg took command of the Austrian troops in March . The Austrians suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Mollwitz in April 1741 . France drew up a plan to partition Austria between Prussia , Bavaria , Saxony and Spain . Marshall Belle @-@ Isle joined Frederick at Olmütz . Vienna was in a panic , as none of Maria Theresa 's advisors expected France to betray them . Francis Stephen urged Maria Theresa to reach a rapprochement with Prussia , as did Great Britain . Maria Theresa reluctantly agreed to negotiations . 
