War of the Austrian Succession

In this episode, we explore the War of the Austrian Succession, an 18th-century global conflict triggered by the death of Emperor Charles VI and the challenge to Maria Theresa’s right to inherit the Habsburg throne. We examine how Prussia, France, and Spain opposed Austrian power, while Britain and the Dutch Republic backed Maria Theresa, turning the succession crisis into a wider struggle across Europe, North America, and India. We also look at the Silesian Wars, King George’s War, the First Carnatic War, and how the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle confirmed Maria Theresa’s rule but left unresolved tensions that helped lead to the Seven Years’ War.