The Austrian Succession Crisis, also known as the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), arose after the death of Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. He had no male heirs, and his daughter, Maria Theresa, was his designated successor. However, many European powers, including Prussia and France, contested her claim, leading to a series of conflicts. The war involved several nations and alliances, as countries sought to expand their territories and influence. Ultimately, the conflict ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, which recognized Maria Theresa's rule but allowed Frederick II of Prussia to keep Silesia, a territory he had seized.