War of the Austrian Succession

Quick Facts: Who was War of the Austrian Succession?

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War of the Austrian Succession

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A major European conflict (1740–1748) triggered by the succession to the Habsburg throne.

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Origins & Early Life

The War of the Austrian Succession, 1740 to 1748, was a conflict between the European great powers, fought primarily in Europe, the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Related conflicts include King George's War, the War of Jenkins' Ear, the First Carnatic War, and the First and Second Silesian Wars. Its immediate cause was the right of Maria Theresa to inherit Austria. This was challenged by a coalition between France, Prussia, and Bavaria, while Maria Theresa was backed by Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Hanover, collectively known as the Pragmatic Allies. The conflict later drew in other participants, including Spain, Savoy, Saxony, Sweden, and Russia.

Career & Major Achievements

Fighting began when Prussia occupied the wealthy Austrian province of Silesia in December 1740. Neither side was able to achieve a decisive victory and despite success in the Austrian Netherlands, by early 1748 France was close to bankruptcy due to the cost of the war and a crippling British naval blockade. This led to the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in October which confirmed Maria Theresa in her titles, but many signatories were unhappy with the terms. In return for vast expenditure, France gained very little, although their Spanish ally made minor gains in Italy and repelled a British invasion of South America at the Battle of Cartagena de Indias. British insistence that Austria cede Silesia to Prussia as part of the peace undermined the long-standing Anglo-Austrian Alliance, as Austria felt it had received little benefit from the enormous British subsidies paid to it during the war.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This led to the realignment known as the Diplomatic Revolution, and ultimately the outbreak of the Seven Years' War in 1756. The immediate cause of the war was the death of Emperor Charles VI in 1740 and the inheritance of the Habsburg monarchy, often collectively referred to as Austria. The 1703 Mutual Pact of Succession provided that if the Habsburgs became extinct in the male line, these possessions would go first to Maria Josepha and Maria Amalia, daughters of Emperor Joseph I, then to those of Charles, his younger brother. Since Salic law excluded women from the inheritance, this agreement required approval by the various Habsburg territories and the Imperial Diet. After Joseph died in 1711, he was succeeded by Charles, who in 1713 issued the Pragmatic Sanction, which confirmed the principle of female inheritance.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1703: 1703 Milestone — The 1703 Mutual Pact of Succession provided that if the Habsburgs became extinct in the male line, these possessions would go first to Maria Josepha and Maria Amalia, daughters of Emperor Joseph I, then to those of Charles, his younger brother.
2. 1711: 1711 Milestone — After Joseph died in 1711, he was succeeded by Charles, who in 1713 issued the Pragmatic Sanction, which confirmed the principle of female inheritance.
3. 1740: 1740 Milestone — The War of the Austrian Succession, 1740 to 1748, was a conflict between the European great powers, fought primarily in Europe, the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
4. 1748: 1748 Milestone — Neither side was able to achieve a decisive victory and despite success in the Austrian Netherlands, by early 1748 France was close to bankruptcy due to the cost of the war and a crippling British naval blockade.
5. 1756: 1756 Milestone — This led to the realignment known as the Diplomatic Revolution, and ultimately the outbreak of the Seven Years' War in 1756.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: War of the Austrian Succession

True or False: “The primary cause of the War of the Austrian Succession was solely a dispute over Silesia province.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While Prussia's occupation of Silesia was a key event, the immediate trigger was the death of Emperor Charles VI and the ensuing challenge to Maria Theresa's right to inherit Austria.

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