Final answer:
Prussia battled Austria during the mid-1700s primarily due to territorial disputes. The conflict between the two powers intensified during the Seven Years' War.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prussia battled Austria during the mid-1700s primarily due to territorial disputes. In particular, Prussia wanted to expand its territory, and Austria posed a threat to Prussian ambitions. The conflict between the two powers intensified during the Seven Years' War, where Austria, along with France, Spain, and Russia, formed an alliance against Prussia, which was supported by Great Britain. The war ultimately resulted in Prussia maintaining its territorial gains and solidifying its dominance in the German states.