Pragmatic Sanction Ignored, War of Succession Begins
France, Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony declined to recognize the Pragmatic Sanction, which was an agreement issued by Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire ensuring the succession of his daughter Maria Theresa. This refusal set the stage for the War of the Austrian Succession, as various European powers contested the legitimacy of Maria Theresa's claim to the throne. Tensions escalated rapidly, with alliances forming and military preparations underway across the continent.
Pragmatic Sanction aimed for Habsburg succession.
Frederick II invaded Silesia after ignoring the Sanction.
Maria Theresa's claim faced widespread contestation.
Conflict laid groundwork for future European wars.
What Happened?
The Pragmatic Sanction was a crucial legal decree issued by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI in 1713, intended to ensure that his daughter, Maria Theresa, could inherit his dominions. The belief was that this would prevent any fragmentation of the Habsburg Empire due to male primogeniture laws that favored male heirs. However, upon Charles VI's death in October 1740, this arrangement met with immediate challenges. France, Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony all chose to disregard the Sanction, leading to significant political instability in Central Europe. Specifically, Frederick II of Prussia seized Silesia, a province of great economic and military value that was critical to the Habsburgs. Additionally, France and Bavaria sought to exploit the situation, siding with Silesia against Maria Theresa’s claim.
The refusal to honor the Pragmatic Sanction not only solidified rivalries between the major powers of Europe but also heralded a series of military engagements known as the War of the Austrian Succession. The conflict drew in multiple European nations, each motivated by territorial ambition or support for either the Habsburgs or their challengers. Maria Theresa adeptly negotiated alliances, particularly with Great Britain, and sought to garner support from other states, which ultimately turned the situation into a continental war spanning several years.
Why Does it Matter?
The events surrounding the dismissal of the Pragmatic Sanction and the onset of conflict are critical in understanding the shifting power dynamics of 18th-century Europe. This war marked the beginning of a prolonged period of great power competition and set the stage for further conflicts, including the Seven Years' War. The outcome not only affected the Habsburg Empire but also redrew aspects of European alliances, impacting diplomacy for decades to come.