What is War of the Austrian Succession?
The '''War of the Austrian Succession''' (1740–1748) involved most countries in [[Europe]]. It was fought over Archduchess [[Maria Theresa]]'s succession to the [[Habsburg Monarchy]]. The war included other events such as [[King George's War]] in [[British America]], the [[War of Jenkins' Ear]] (which formally began on 23 October 1739), the [[First Carnatic War]] in [[Nizam of Hyderabad|India]], the [[Jacobite rising of 1745]] in [[Scotland]] and the [[First Silesian War|First]] and the [[Second Silesian War]]s. Maria Theresa was not allowed to succeed to the various crowns of her father, [[Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles VI]], because [[Salic law]] would not let a woman inherit them. That gave an opportunity for [[Kingdom of France|France]] and [[Kingdom of Prussia|Prussia]], joined by [[Electorate of Bavaria|Bavaria]], to challenge the Habsburgs' power. Maria Theresa was supported by [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]], the [[Dutch Republic]], [[Kingdom of Sardinia|Sardinia]], and [[Electorate of Saxony|Saxony]]. [[Spain]] had been at war with Britain over colonies and trade since 1739 to re-establish its influence in northern [[Italy]], which Austria had taken control during the [[War of the Spanish Succession]], in the early 18th century. The war ended with the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)|Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle]] in 1748. Maria Theresa was confirmed as Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary, but Prussia kept control of [[Silesia]]. The peace did not last, however, because of Austria's desire to recapture Silesia and the political upheaval in Europe. Soon came the [[Seven Years' War]] (1756–1763). {{multistub|history|europe}} {{authority control}} [[Category:Wars involving Europe]] [[Category:History of Austria]] [[Category:1740s]] [[Category:18th century in Europe]] [[Category:18th-century conflicts]]