Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle

18 October, 1748

The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle brought to an end the War of Austrian Succession. By the terms of the treaty the succession of Maria Theresa was confirmed for all territories except Glatz and Silesia, which were retained by Prussia.

France was forced to withdraw support for Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and his claim to the throne of England. France also returned Madras to English control, and recognized the Hanoverian succession. Britain didn't have it all her own way, however, as it was forced to return Louisburg to France.

The effects of the treaty were really no more than a cosmetic papering over of the deep differences between the major European powers, and the peace achieved at Aix-la-Chapelle was never going to be very long-reaching. In fact, it took another 8 years before armed conflict broke out again in the form of the Seven Years War.

Time period(s): Georgian

Tags: Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle   War of Austrian Succession   Seven Years War   Bonnie Prince Charlie