High

War of the Austrian Succession

Dynastic and great-power war triggered by Maria Theresa's succession and Prussia's seizure of Silesia.

Timeline
1740-1748
Duration
9 years
Region
Europe
Record
Static archive

Historical overview

Overview adapted from a Wikipedia summary and stored locally on May 11, 2026.

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.

Theater countries

AustriaCzechiaGermanyItalyBelgiumFrance

Actors

AustriaPrussiaFranceBritainSpainSaxony

Tags

succession-warsilesiabalance-of-power

Border context

1700-1763historical border era

Balance of power and colonial war

European great powers fight succession and colonial wars while Russia rises and Sweden declines in the Baltic.

The Spanish succession settlement reshapes European dynastic geography. The Seven Years' War changes colonial control in North America and India.

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