The War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) was a major conflict in Europe that arose after the death of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. He had ensured that his daughter, Maria Theresa, would inherit his lands, but many European powers contested this claim, leading to a series of battles and alliances. The war involved several key players, including Prussia, France, Great Britain, and Austria. It ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, which restored the status quo but did not resolve the underlying tensions, setting the stage for future conflicts in Europe.