War of Austrian Succession

The War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) was a European conflict triggered by the death of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, who left his daughter Maria Theresa as ruler. Several European powers, worried about maintaining their territories and balance of power, challenged her claim, leading to a broader war involving countries like France, Prussia, Britain, and Spain. The war was fought over who should control parts of Europe and maintain dominance. It ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which temporarily settled disputes but set the stage for future conflicts.