The War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) was a conflict primarily over the question of who would inherit the Habsburg lands after the death of Empress Maria Theresa's father, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI. When Charles VI died, several European powers, including Prussia, France, and Spain, challenged Maria Theresa's claim, leading to a series of battles across Europe. The war involved many nations and alliances, with Britain supporting Maria Theresa and Austria against France and Prussia. The conflict 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.