The War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) was a major conflict fought between the great powers of Europe, sparked by a dispute over the right of a woman – Maria Theresa – to succeed to the Austrian throne. Maria Theresa was supported by the Habsburg monarchy, Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, Hanover, Saxony, and Russia, a coalition known as the Pragmatic Alliance.
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Definition
Timeline
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16 Dec 1740 - 18 Oct 1748War of the Austrian Succession.
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16 Dec 1740Frederick the Great invades the Austrian province of Silesia, triggering the War of the Austrian Succession.
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10 Apr 1741Frederick the Great wins his first battle against the Austrians at the Battle of Mollwitz; the War of the Austrian Succession escalates.
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4 Jun 1745Frederick the Great wins a decisive victory over the Austrians and Saxons at the Battle of Hohenfriedberg.
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25 Dec 1745Treaty of Dresden; Maria Theresa of Austria cedes Silesia to Prussia. In turn, Frederick the Great promises to recognize her as the rightful ruler of the Habsburg monarchy.
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18 Oct 1748The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle is signed, ending the War of the Austrian Succession and its related conflicts.
