War of the Bavarian Succession

Quick Facts: Who was War of the Bavarian Succession?

Subject:

War of the Bavarian Succession

Known for:

1778–1779 dispute over Bavaria's succession between Habsburgs and Prussian/Saxon allies.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The War of the Bavarian Succession (German: Bayerischer Erbfolgekrieg; 3 July 1778 – 13 May 1779) was a dispute between the Austrian Habsburg monarchy and an alliance of Saxony and Prussia over succession to the Electorate of Bavaria after the extinction of the Bavarian branch of the House of Wittelsbach. The Habsburgs sought to acquire Bavaria, and the alliance opposed them, favoring another branch of the Wittelsbachs. Both sides mobilized large armies, but the only fighting in the war was a few minor battles.

Career & Major Achievements

However, thousands of soldiers died from disease and starvation, earning the conflict the name Kartoffelkrieg (Potato War) in Prussia and Saxony; in Habsburg Austria, it was sometimes called the Zwetschgenrummel (Plum Fuss). On 30 December 1777, Maximilian III Joseph, the last of the junior Wittelsbach line, died of smallpox, leaving no children.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Charles Theodore, a scion of a senior branch of the House of Wittelsbach, held the closest claim of kinship, but he also had no legitimate children to succeed him. His cousin, Charles II August, Duke of Zweibrücken, therefore had a legitimate legal claim as Charles Theodore's heir presumptive.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1777: 1777 Milestone — On 30 December 1777, Maximilian III Joseph, the last of the junior Wittelsbach line, died of smallpox, leaving no children.
2. 1778: 1778 Milestone — The War of the Bavarian Succession (German: Bayerischer Erbfolgekrieg; 3 July 1778 – 13 May 1779) was a dispute between the Austrian Habsburg monarchy and an alliance of Saxony and Prussia over succession to the Electorate of Bavaria after the extinction of the Bavarian branch of the House of Wittelsbach.

Notable Quotes by War of the Bavarian Succession

“The only fighting in the war was a few minor battles.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: War of the Bavarian Succession

True or False: “True or false: The most significant casualties during the War of the Bavarian Succession were due to battle wounds, rather than disease and starvation.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. The Wikipedia extract explicitly states that thousands of soldiers died from disease and starvation, which earned the conflict its common names, overshadowing the minor battles.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Augustin Pyramus de Candolle — Historical peer (Born in 1778) (1778): Swiss botanist renowned for natural classification and phytogeography.
• Beau Brummell — Historical peer (Born in 1778) (1778): The quintessential English dandy who defined male fashion during the Regency era.
• Adam Oehlenschläger — Historical peer (Born in 1779) (1779): Pioneering Danish Romantic poet and playwright who shaped national literature.
• Anton Raphael Mengs — Historical peer (Died in 1779) (1779): Pioneering Czech-born German Neoclassical painter of Danish descent.
• Albrecht von Haller — Historical peer (Died in 1777) (1777): Swiss polymath, father of modern physiology, renowned anatomist and naturalist.
• Aleksey Yermolov — Historical peer (Born in 1777) (1777): Prominent Russian general known for service in the Napoleonic Wars and the Caucasian Campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions about War of the Bavarian Succession