War of the Austrian Succession: Difference between revisions
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== '''Preconditions''' == | == '''Preconditions''' == | ||
On the 20th of October, 1740, Holy Roman emperor and the head of the Austrian branch Charles VI died. | On the 20th of October, 1740, Holy Roman emperor and the head of the Austrian branch Charles VI died. After the death of his only son Charles VI promulgated the Pragmatic Sanction, a royal act, which secured succession of Maria Theresia, his only daughter, to the domains of the Habsburgs. Most European powers recognized this act, however after the death of Charles VI Frederick II of Prussia declared war on Maria Theresia. | ||
== '''Course of Events''' == | == '''Course of Events''' == | ||
The War of the Austrian Succession began on December 16, 1740. Frederick II of Prussian declared war on Maria Theresia and invaded Silesia, a province with a large population and flourishing iron and textile industries. His army defeated the Austrians and most of the territory was ceded to | The War of the Austrian Succession began on December 16, 1740. Frederick II of Prussian declared war on Maria Theresia and invaded Silesia, a province with a large population and flourishing iron and textile industries. His army defeated the Austrians and most of the territory was ceded to Prussia. | ||
The rest of | The rest of Europe seeing that the Habsburg dominions were incapable to defend themselves wanted to take a piece of Maria Theresia's Empire too. The war turned out to be global. | ||
At about the same time Charles Albrecht of Bavaria declared himself Holy Emperor Charles VII. France constructed an alliance with Bavaria and declared war on Maria Theresia. Austria derived foreign support from Britain, which feared French hegemony in Europe. Thus, the war of the Austrian Succession is only one phase of the struggle between France and Britain that lasted from 1689 to 1815. | At about the same time Charles Albrecht of Bavaria declared himself Holy Emperor Charles VII. France constructed an alliance with Bavaria and declared war on Maria Theresia. Austria derived foreign support from Britain, which feared French hegemony in Europe. Thus, the war of the Austrian Succession is only one phase of the struggle between France and Britain that lasted from 1689 to 1815. | ||
In July 1742 Austria neutralized Prussia and drove French and Bavarians out of Bohemia. Austria's allies - the British, Hanoverians and Hessians defeated the French at the Battle of Dettingen (June 27, 1743) | In July 1742 Austria neutralized Prussia and drove French and Bavarians out of Bohemia. Austria's allies - the British, Hanoverians and Hessians defeated the French at the Battle of Dettingen (June 27, 1743) | ||
In January 1745 the emperor Charles VII (Charles | In January 1745 the emperor Charles VII (Charles Albrecht of Bavaria) died. | ||
== '''End of the War''' == | == '''End of the War''' == | ||
From 1746 to 1748 the war dragged on indecisively. The financial burden was too large for the countries and it pushed them to the conference table. | From 1746 to 1748 the war dragged on indecisively. The financial burden was too large for the countries and it pushed them to the conference table. | ||
In 1748 in the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle Marie Theresa’s husband Francis became the Holy Roman Emperor, while Marie Theresa ruled Austria and the Hapsburg lands. Prussia was allowed to keep Silesia. However, none of the conflict between France and Britain was | In 1748 in the Treaty of [[Aix-la-Chapelle]] Marie Theresa’s husband Francis became the Holy Roman Emperor, while Marie Theresa ruled Austria and the Hapsburg lands. Prussia was allowed to keep Silesia. However, none of the conflict between France and Britain was resolved. | ||
== '''Consequences''' == | == '''Consequences''' == | ||
Although the war did not change the borders of European countries of that time greatly, it can be regarded as | Although the war did not change the borders of European countries of that time greatly, it can be regarded as a genuine World War. Actually behind the War of Austrian Succession there was a war between France and Britain. | ||
== '''Sources''' == | == '''Sources''' == | ||
"The War of Austrian Succession". Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2009. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/44477/War-of-the-Austrian-Succession | |||
Anderson, Matthew S. ''The War of Austrian Succession, 1740-1748''. London: Longman. 1995. | |||
Revision as of 15:44, 6 November 2009
The War of Austrian Succession is a conglomeration of related wars 1740-1748
Preconditions
On the 20th of October, 1740, Holy Roman emperor and the head of the Austrian branch Charles VI died. After the death of his only son Charles VI promulgated the Pragmatic Sanction, a royal act, which secured succession of Maria Theresia, his only daughter, to the domains of the Habsburgs. Most European powers recognized this act, however after the death of Charles VI Frederick II of Prussia declared war on Maria Theresia.
Course of Events
The War of the Austrian Succession began on December 16, 1740. Frederick II of Prussian declared war on Maria Theresia and invaded Silesia, a province with a large population and flourishing iron and textile industries. His army defeated the Austrians and most of the territory was ceded to Prussia. The rest of Europe seeing that the Habsburg dominions were incapable to defend themselves wanted to take a piece of Maria Theresia's Empire too. The war turned out to be global. At about the same time Charles Albrecht of Bavaria declared himself Holy Emperor Charles VII. France constructed an alliance with Bavaria and declared war on Maria Theresia. Austria derived foreign support from Britain, which feared French hegemony in Europe. Thus, the war of the Austrian Succession is only one phase of the struggle between France and Britain that lasted from 1689 to 1815. In July 1742 Austria neutralized Prussia and drove French and Bavarians out of Bohemia. Austria's allies - the British, Hanoverians and Hessians defeated the French at the Battle of Dettingen (June 27, 1743) In January 1745 the emperor Charles VII (Charles Albrecht of Bavaria) died.
End of the War
From 1746 to 1748 the war dragged on indecisively. The financial burden was too large for the countries and it pushed them to the conference table. In 1748 in the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle Marie Theresa’s husband Francis became the Holy Roman Emperor, while Marie Theresa ruled Austria and the Hapsburg lands. Prussia was allowed to keep Silesia. However, none of the conflict between France and Britain was resolved.
Consequences
Although the war did not change the borders of European countries of that time greatly, it can be regarded as a genuine World War. Actually behind the War of Austrian Succession there was a war between France and Britain.
Sources
"The War of Austrian Succession". Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2009. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/44477/War-of-the-Austrian-Succession
Anderson, Matthew S. The War of Austrian Succession, 1740-1748. London: Longman. 1995.