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French troops conquer Maastricht in the War of the Austrian Succession

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.

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.

Its immediate cause was the right of Maria Theresa to inherit Austria. This was challenged by a coalition between France, Prussia, and Bavaria, while Maria Theresa was backed by Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Hanover, collectively known as the Pragmatic Allies. The conflict later drew in other participants, including Spain, Savoy, Saxony, Sweden, and Russia.

Fighting began when Prussia occupied the wealthy Austrian province of Silesia in December 1740.

Historical Significance

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.

Events Before

  1. The first venereal diseases clinic opens at London Lock Hospital, London

    The first venereal diseases clinic opens at London Lock Hospital, London

  2. French troops occupy Zeeuws-Flanders, Netherlands

    French troops occupy Zeeuws-Flanders, Netherlands

  3. Prince Willem V appointed viceroy of Zealand

    Prince Willem V appointed viceroy of Zealand

  4. William IV Prince of Orange appointed Stadtholder of Holland and Utrecht

    William IV (Willem Karel Hendrik Friso; 1 September 1711 – 22 October 1751) was Prince of Orange from birth and the first hereditary stadtholder of all the United Provinces of the Netherlands from...

  5. William IV Prince of Orange appointed Stadtholder of Overijssel

    William IV (Willem Karel Hendrik Friso; 1 September 1711 – 22 October 1751) was Prince of Orange from birth and the first hereditary stadtholder of all the United Provinces of the Netherlands from...

Events After

  1. British admiral Samuel Hood (24) weds Susannah Linzee in Portsmouth, England

    British admiral Samuel Hood (24) weds Susannah Linzee in Portsmouth, England

  2. US revolutionary Samuel Adams (27) weds Elizabeth Checkley

    US revolutionary Samuel Adams (27) weds Elizabeth Checkley

  3. Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (28) weds first wife Elizabeth Hartwell in Massachusetts

    Founding Father of the United States Roger Sherman (28) weds first wife Elizabeth Hartwell in Massachusetts

  4. Benning Wentworth issues the first of the New Hampshire Grants, leading to the establishment of Vermont.

    Benning Wentworth issues the first of the New Hampshire Grants, leading to the establishment of Vermont.

  5. Hoax article advertising fictitious theatrical performer "The Bottle Conjuror" drew huge crowds to the Haymarket Theatre

    Hoax article advertising fictitious theatrical performer "The Bottle Conjuror" drew huge crowds to the Haymarket Theatre, London, whose inevitable non-appearance caused a riot. It's alleged the Duke of Montagu perpetrated the fiasco to win a bet.

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Anthony Wayne is born

Anthony Wayne, American statesman and soldier, known for american statesman and soldier, was born on 1745-01-01.

George Frideric Handel's oratorio "Messiah" premieres at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London

George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel was a German-British Baroque composer well-known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concerti. Born in Halle, Handel spent his early...

The ruins of Pompeii are rediscovered by Spaniard Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre

The ruins of Pompeii are rediscovered by Spaniard Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on May 7, 1748?
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. Its immediate cause was the right of Maria Theresa to inherit Austria.
Why is French troops conquer Maastricht in the War of the Austrian Succession significant?
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.

Explore More

May 7 in HistoryYear 1748