War of the Austrian Succession

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18th-century war involving most of the great powers of Europe

War of the Austrian Succession

The Battle of Fontenoy by Édouard Detaille

The War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) was a major European conflict that arose after the death of Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor in 1740. The war was primarily fought over the question of Maria Theresa's succession to the Habsburg Monarchy.

Background

The war began when Frederick II of Prussia invaded the Habsburg province of Silesia in 1740, challenging the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, which had allowed Maria Theresa to succeed her father, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor. The conflict quickly expanded as other European powers joined either in support of or against Maria Theresa.

Major Battles

The war saw numerous significant battles, including:

• The Battle of Mollwitz (1741)
• The Battle of Dettingen (1743)
• The Battle of Fontenoy (1745)
• The Battle of Rocoux (1746)
• The Battle of Lauffeld (1747)

Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle

The war concluded with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748), which largely restored the status quo ante bellum. Maria Theresa was recognized as the ruler of the Habsburg Monarchy, but Frederick II of Prussia retained control of Silesia.

Impact

The War of the Austrian Succession had significant long-term effects on European politics. It marked the rise of Prussia as a major European power and set the stage for future conflicts, including the Seven Years' War.

Related Pages

• Maria Theresa
• Frederick II of Prussia
• Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor
• Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)
• Second Hundred Years' War
• Silesia