Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major European conflict (1740-1748): The War of the Austrian Succession was a war fought over the legitimacy of the accession of Maria Theresa to the Habsburg territories. It involved Prussia and Austria fighting over Silesia, with most other major European powers taking sides.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The War of the Austrian Succession began after the death of Emperor Charles VI.
  • European diplomacy was reshaped by the treaties that ended the War of the Austrian Succession.

Advanced Usage

• Historical context: The phrase is used to denote the specific conflict and its broader political consequences, which included the rise of Prussia as a major power.
  • The principle of pragmatic sanction was a central issue in the War of the Austrian Succession.

Variants and Related Words

• Austrian Succession: The event (the succession of Maria Theresa) which the war concerned.
  • The question of the Austrian Succession destabilized Europe.

Synonyms

• Conflict of 1740-1748: A descriptive synonym referencing the dates of the war.

Related Phrases

• To take sides in the War of the Austrian Succession: To ally with one of the belligerent parties during this conflict.
  • France and Spain took sides against Austria in the War of the Austrian Succession.

Noun

1. Prussia and Austria fought over Silesia and most of the rest of Europe took sides; 1740-1748