Austrian Succession, War of the

Austrian Succession, War of the Conflict between Austria and Prussia for control of the German states, prompted by the succession (1740) of Maria Theresa to the Habsburg lands of her father, Charles VI. Maria Theresa was faced with counterclaims to her succession from Philip V of Spain, Augustus III of Poland and Charles Albert, Elector of Bavaria. The war began with Frederick II (the Great) of Prussia's invasion of the Habsburg province of Silesia. In 1741, with French aid, Charles Albert captured Prague. In 1742, with British and Hungarian support, Maria Theresa launched a counter-offensive that overran Bavaria. This first phase (First Silesian War) was concluded by the Treaty of Berlin (1742) in which Prussia gained most of Silesia. The French army was forced to retreat from Prague and was defeated at Dettingen (1743) by George III of Britain. In 1744 Frederick II launched a second invasion of Silesia, but was repulsed. In 1745 the French won a major victory over the British at Fontenoy. George III and Frederick II signed the Convention of Hanover in which Britain recognized Prussia's claims to Silesia in return for Frederick's support of the candidacy of the husband of Maria Theresa as Emperor Francis I. War was formally ended by the Treaty of Aix-La-Chapelle (1748). See also French and Indian Wars