War of The Austrian Succession - Conclusion of The War

Conclusion of The War

The War of Austrian Succession concluded with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748). Maria Theresa and Austria survived status quo ante bellum, sacrificing only the territory of Silesia, which Austria conceded to Prussia. The end of the war also sparked the beginning of the German dualism between Prussia and Austria, which would ultimately fuel German nationalism and the drive to unify Germany as a single entity.

Despite his victories, Louis XV of France, who wanted to appear as an arbiter and not as a conqueror, gave all his conquests back to the defeated enemies with chivalry, arguing that he was "king of France, not a shopkeeper." This decision, largely misunderstood by his generals and by the French people, made the king unpopular. The French obtained so little of what they fought for that they adopted the expressions BĂȘte comme la paix ("Stupid as the peace") and Travailler pour le roi de Prusse ("To work for the king of Prussia", i.e. working for nothing). However his generosity was saluted in Europe and France increased its political influence on the continent.

Read more about this topic:  War Of The Austrian Succession

Famous quotes containing the words conclusion of the, conclusion of, conclusion and/or war:

    Human affairs are so obscure and various that nothing can be clearly known. This was the sound conclusion of the Academic sceptics, who were the least surly of philosophers.
    Desiderius Erasmus (1469–1536)

    Human affairs are so obscure and various that nothing can be clearly known. This was the sound conclusion of the Academic sceptics, who were the least surly of philosophers.
    Desiderius Erasmus (1469–1536)

    I’ve heard the wolves scuffle, and said: So this
    Is man; so what better conclusion is there
    The day will not follow night, and the heart
    Of man has a little dignity, but less patience
    Than a wolf’s....
    Allen Tate (1899–1979)

    The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
    In the ranks of death you’ll find him,
    His father’s sword he has girded on,
    And his wild harp slung behind him.
    Thomas Moore (1779–1852)