Aix-La-Chapelle: The War Of Austrian Succession
The War of Austrian Succession brought forth an unprecedented power which threatened the European balance of power and initiated the Diplomatic Revolution. Prior to Fredrick II’s rule, Prussia was fragmented, smaller in size and population than the other powers (however with a strong army) and without a decisive roll in the International System - Prussia had to either expand or be assimilated. Along with Fredrick’s ascension to power in May of 1740 was his concentration on raison d’état. The new ruler was ambitious to turn Prussia into one of the exclusive set of Great powers, which led to the defiance of international law when he targeted the Pragmatic Sanction (Smyth). As a result, December of 1740 marked the turning point of the International
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This newly established power served as the mechanism for the Diplomatic Revolution as it initiated a possible an Austro-French agreement. The ample affect of Prussian rise can be evaluated by considering the changes in Austrian objectives and realizations during Aix-la-Chapelle – the peace following the War of Austrian Succession. First, Aix-la Chappelle left Kaunitz, the Austrian chancellor, convinced that Britain would not help recover Silesia. Second, Kaunitz had discussed a potential agreement with France, in which France would help recover the lost territory in return for a large part of the Netherlands that would be given to Louis XV’s son-in-law, Don Philip in return for three Italian Duchies that were assigned to him under the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle (Horn 444). At this point, it was also acknowledged that Austria’s main threat was no longer France, but Prussia (448). In addition, Prussia’s gains following the war left Austria with two main objectives - internal reform focused on centralizing and strengthening the sate, and the recovery of Silesia along with the regaining of a dominant position in Germany (Scott and McKay 175). Austria’s changing ideology of raison d’état demonstrated the extent to which Prussia’s new role in the European balance of power influenced policy and decision making. The victor circuitously coerced Austria into talks with France, ones she would have otherwise not
This newly established power served as the mechanism for the Diplomatic Revolution as it initiated a possible an Austro-French agreement. The ample affect of Prussian rise can be evaluated by considering the changes in Austrian objectives and realizations during Aix-la-Chapelle – the peace following the War of Austrian Succession. First, Aix-la Chappelle left Kaunitz, the Austrian chancellor, convinced that Britain would not help recover Silesia. Second, Kaunitz had discussed a potential agreement with France, in which France would help recover the lost territory in return for a large part of the Netherlands that would be given to Louis XV’s son-in-law, Don Philip in return for three Italian Duchies that were assigned to him under the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle (Horn 444). At this point, it was also acknowledged that Austria’s main threat was no longer France, but Prussia (448). In addition, Prussia’s gains following the war left Austria with two main objectives - internal reform focused on centralizing and strengthening the sate, and the recovery of Silesia along with the regaining of a dominant position in Germany (Scott and McKay 175). Austria’s changing ideology of raison d’état demonstrated the extent to which Prussia’s new role in the European balance of power influenced policy and decision making. The victor circuitously coerced Austria into talks with France, ones she would have otherwise not