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The War of the Austrian Succession
Reed S. Browning explores the often-changing war aims of the major belligerents-Austria, France, Great Britain, Prussia, Piedmont-Sardinia, and Spain-and links diplomatic and military events to the political and social context from which they arose.
445 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1993
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260 people want to read
About the author
Reed Browning
7 books3 followersReed Browning is a retired history professor, and author of books on history and baseball.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 31, 2011
An incredibly lucid account of some very complex political and military events. "The War" was actually more than one war and the entities involved changed sides with startling frequency. The main parties were France, Spain, Piedmont-Sardinia, Great Britain, Bavaria, Prussia and Austria. But Russia, the "Low Countries," and others played secondary roles, sometimes important. To add to the complexity, colonial holdings were often central to contentions--the Caribbean, the Americas, etc. Browning helps the reader by periodically stepping back and breaking down the important points. He writes that there were really four conflicts: 1) conflict between Prussia and Austria over territory in Germany; 2) between Spain and Piedmont-Sardinia over territory in Italy; 3) conflict over France and the Low Countries with France occupying the Austrian Netherlands and breaching the Dutch Republic; and 4) Conflict over power in the high seas with Britain finally asserting its dominance over France and Spain.
Some of the things that you learn as you go--the importance of dynastic alliances--with the French siding with the also-Bourbon Spanish, the politicking that occurred with the election of a new Holy Roman Emperor, the fragile nature of too-often-broken treaties, and the conflicting loyalties resulting from George II's Hanoverian birth and British kingship (deeply resented by the British).
A very informative and throrough account.
Some of the things that you learn as you go--the importance of dynastic alliances--with the French siding with the also-Bourbon Spanish, the politicking that occurred with the election of a new Holy Roman Emperor, the fragile nature of too-often-broken treaties, and the conflicting loyalties resulting from George II's Hanoverian birth and British kingship (deeply resented by the British).
A very informative and throrough account.
August 5, 2017
My biggest regret about Reed Browning's book on the War of the Austrian Succession is that he never wrote any other military history. His normal subject seems to be the British government of the early 18th Century, which is probably a bit too detailed for my general tastes (and also, somewhat surprisingly, '20s baseball).
But this volume is an excellent one-volume history of the war as a whole, concentrating on the military and diplomatic activities of the principle actors in Europe. The New World and India do get coverage, but it is at least as peripheral as the events would have seemed in Europe. For an overview that is more than fair, but the narrative for both theaters felt not fully formed. (Similarly, the '45 Jacobite rebellion gets about a page, which is fair.)
The main event is more than complicated enough to need all the attention and focus that can be brought to bear. He starts with a good overview of the political conflicts that led to the outbreak of war, and presents the main theaters of the war. However, while the maps follow this outline well, they're very primitive, and do not have any of the details needed for later in the book.
But this volume is an excellent one-volume history of the war as a whole, concentrating on the military and diplomatic activities of the principle actors in Europe. The New World and India do get coverage, but it is at least as peripheral as the events would have seemed in Europe. For an overview that is more than fair, but the narrative for both theaters felt not fully formed. (Similarly, the '45 Jacobite rebellion gets about a page, which is fair.)
The main event is more than complicated enough to need all the attention and focus that can be brought to bear. He starts with a good overview of the political conflicts that led to the outbreak of war, and presents the main theaters of the war. However, while the maps follow this outline well, they're very primitive, and do not have any of the details needed for later in the book.
March 3, 2022
Very well-written borderline exhaustive account of the complicated doings of 1740-1748. This is a long 378 pages but never boring! Prussia, Austria, Britain, France, Spain and a handful of lesser powers march, sail, fight, besiege, negotiate, betray, blunder and generally create mayhem across the continent over this period. Reed Browning does a superb job in illuminating the complex issues and describing the key battles, the ebb and flow of fortunes and the complex diplomatic minuet among the monarchies that dominated the period. It is a fascinating group even at this remove or perhaps because of it: Frederick II (the Great) of Prussia who kicked it all off with his brazen seizure of Silesia; Maria Teresa of Austria a very young (23 y.o) and utterly unprepared woman thrust into the maelstrom of war and power politics; George II of Britain perched precariously on his throne but bankrolling many of the activities; Louis XV of Bourbon France leading a land powerhouse with ponderous inefficiency; Philip V of Spain (also a Bourbon) and his wife Elizabeth Farnese obsessively pressing dynastic and commercial claims. And the generals, most notably the 'soldier-king' Frederick but also Maurice of Saxony (fighting for France), who I had basically never even heard of and became one of the great captains in military history. Britain of course produced naval leaders aplenty including George Anson and Edward Hawke. Two major drawbacks--the general maps are poor, the battle maps are non-existent and in a conflict in which territorial aggrandizement seemed to be the prime motivation and the battles pivotal this is a huge negative. You might think there is not much to learn from these distant events, yet in a time of current war there is plenty. That war as an extension of politics was never more evident than in this conflict and Browning has much to say about the nexus. At the end however, he concludes most aptly with the observation that war kills and the losses from this conflict were immense, with estimates of up to half a million people. He ends this long sojourn into the past with 'da pacem, Domine in diebus nostris--Give peace in our time, O Lord'. Well said in any time.
July 29, 2013
Excellent overview of the conflict. Browning also avoids Frederick the Great worship by detailing his early mistakes.
May 23, 2024
As far as I know, this is the only English-language history of the War of Austrian Succession. At least, it was the only one I could find after a trip to Austria piqued my interest in the early reign of Maria Theresa, whose likeness is plastered all over the museums and palaces of Vienna.
This book was eminently readable, which surprised me for a topic so niche. Usually, these sorts of forgotten (to English-speaking audiences) episodes only have books written by amateurs or historians lacking a good editor or a sense of narrative. But Browning does a remarkable job at giving a fair degree of insight and depth without losing the reader in the weeds. And unlike Christopher Duffy in his history on the later Seven Years War, Browning demonstrates no obvious bias or reverence toward Maria Theresa.
The only annoyance was the frequent and glaring spelling typos -- sometimes on the same page someone's name could have two different spellings separated by only a few sentences. But that does not detract from the flow of the narrative or the presentation of the facts.
In sum: A perfect book for a history buff to read before or during a trip to Vienna.
This book was eminently readable, which surprised me for a topic so niche. Usually, these sorts of forgotten (to English-speaking audiences) episodes only have books written by amateurs or historians lacking a good editor or a sense of narrative. But Browning does a remarkable job at giving a fair degree of insight and depth without losing the reader in the weeds. And unlike Christopher Duffy in his history on the later Seven Years War, Browning demonstrates no obvious bias or reverence toward Maria Theresa.
The only annoyance was the frequent and glaring spelling typos -- sometimes on the same page someone's name could have two different spellings separated by only a few sentences. But that does not detract from the flow of the narrative or the presentation of the facts.
In sum: A perfect book for a history buff to read before or during a trip to Vienna.
November 5, 2020
I bough this as a result of picking up Maria, a wargame about this conflict. I must say, after playing Maria for the first time just the other day and finishing the book today I feel like the two go hand in hand and highly recommend this method of studying history. As for the book, this is very thorough look at the multitude of wars/conflicts that made up the War of Austrian Succession. With Prussia invading Austrian Silesia being the first step in a convoluted struggle for dynastic power throughout Europe. While no historian could make this mishmash of a war utterly clear, Browning does do an admirable job of making each localized conflict understandable and keeping the situation in Europe as a whole in the back of your mind. At time this is dense reading but if you’re looking into the war of Austrian succession you are likely okay with that.
July 19, 2021
The War of the Austrian Succession were immensely complex, with a large array of antagonists contending on many different fields of battle, and with some of them switching sides from time to time. And, as the author mentions at the outset, half the monarchs of the day were named Charles. That Browning was able to write a clear analysis and description of the war speaks to his great skill.
Browning shines particularly in the opening pages of the book, outlining the tensions that led to the outbreak of war, and in the closing pages as he describes the peace-making process. In between, there is a lot of action which is well-written. This is a superb history.
If a nit must be picked, the maps are useless. But, this is really a nit.
Browning shines particularly in the opening pages of the book, outlining the tensions that led to the outbreak of war, and in the closing pages as he describes the peace-making process. In between, there is a lot of action which is well-written. This is a superb history.
If a nit must be picked, the maps are useless. But, this is really a nit.
January 8, 2020
If you are looking for a complicated political and military conflict, look no further than the War of Austrian Succession and this book. I had not ready anything about this war in the 1740s and this book explains the conflict in an easy to follow linear narrative. Be warned, you will need to be able to differentiate all of the Charles', which the author addresses in the preface.
The maps could have been quite a bit more detailed or at least expanded to give a larger view of the central European, northern Italian and pays-bas regions. When I wrapped this book up, I immediately began to see the connections between this conflict, the 7 Years War and the eventual rise of Napoleon.
The maps could have been quite a bit more detailed or at least expanded to give a larger view of the central European, northern Italian and pays-bas regions. When I wrapped this book up, I immediately began to see the connections between this conflict, the 7 Years War and the eventual rise of Napoleon.
February 6, 2025
Fantastic history covering the war from all angles, though focused on European diplomacy and military operations. Browning's style reminds me of the incomparable C. V. Wedgewood with his flair for writing, just-right level of detail, and willingness to offer some analysis and opinion to supplement the narrative. My kind of history!
Only negative is that the the maps are inadequate, but at least not entirely nonexistent.
To cap things off, this book might have my favorite chapter titles of any book (certainly the best for any history books). A selection:
- The Abasement of Austria
- The Worms Alliance Withers
- The Foundering of French Policy
Only negative is that the the maps are inadequate, but at least not entirely nonexistent.
To cap things off, this book might have my favorite chapter titles of any book (certainly the best for any history books). A selection:
- The Abasement of Austria
- The Worms Alliance Withers
- The Foundering of French Policy
October 3, 2025
I am content to have read this title. This is the first book that deals exclusively with this war. There were a lot of aspects I was completely unaware of. I'd never heard of a few of the powers and states mentioned. I was introduced to a few figures. The book served to fill some gaps in my knowledge of why and how some conditions later on came to be. This may have been as a result of military conquests or negotiated deals. The book was tedious at times due to the sheer number of ley players mentioned throughout.
April 8, 2023
A catalogue of the intermittent wars across Europe, which fought the continent to a standstill.
I see the war of Austrian Succession as an end in itself.
This book at points uses an incomplete form of hermeneutics during its narrative in an effort to find meaning behind the events.
A great overview packed with details but I found myself agreeing with the mighty Erasmus "The most disadvantageous piece is better than the most just war." How quaint!
I see the war of Austrian Succession as an end in itself.
This book at points uses an incomplete form of hermeneutics during its narrative in an effort to find meaning behind the events.
A great overview packed with details but I found myself agreeing with the mighty Erasmus "The most disadvantageous piece is better than the most just war." How quaint!
March 21, 2025
Wonderful book where the details between battles, troop movements and diplomacy are in perfect balance.
The main curiosity I wasn't aware of was the fact whilst all the powers were signing the peace treaty in Aachen, still 37,000 Russian troops were crossing Europe to battle the French in the Netherlands, as part of the previous agreement between Russia's tsarina and the Austrian empress, financed by the British government, months before the peace was agreed.
The main curiosity I wasn't aware of was the fact whilst all the powers were signing the peace treaty in Aachen, still 37,000 Russian troops were crossing Europe to battle the French in the Netherlands, as part of the previous agreement between Russia's tsarina and the Austrian empress, financed by the British government, months before the peace was agreed.
December 6, 2022
Excellent and relevant facts. Very interesting account of Maria Theresa and an often forgotten war. Clearly explained tactics and battles. The prose is interesting while not too flowery. Definitely recommended for anyone interested in European history.
July 20, 2024
I have given it four stars primarily for the author's incredible amount of research and detail and for being able to link it all together in an understandable chronological order, thus making it generally accessible to the layman i.e. me.
May 11, 2025
An excellent overview of a complicated war. The author goes into detail about the military, diplomatic and political going-on within all of the major combatants of the war. Just outstanding work all around. Highly recommended.
September 6, 2019
Best explanation of this conflict that I've found. Reed discusses the war in small chunks, highlighting how events unfolded and their significance to each other. Unreservedly recommend this book.
November 20, 2022
Really good book trying to make sense out of an extremely complicated series of diplomatic and military events. I would have given 5 stars if battle maps were included.
April 15, 2015
I knew nothing about the war of the Austrian succession prior to this book, but now I understand just how critically important it was, not just for 18th century Europe, but for a great many years afterwards. The war itself is fairly complex - which isn't unusual for the period - but this book does a good job at explaining it all.
I do have a couple of criticisms though. One is how the author often gave very broad hints at the start of a battle or siege regarding who was going to win it, which I found annoying. It's more exciting if I have no idea who is going to win. Another criticism is how you pretty much need to be reading this book with a dictionary lying close by, because the author absolutely loves to use extremely rare or totally obsolete words. Often I would come across a word that I had perhaps heard of but had no idea what it meant, or words that I'd never even heard of before, and I'm not idiot. This is a problem that the majority of readers will encounter. There simply isn't reason to use many of the weird words he does, especially when there are perfectly good, less obscure words that do the job just as well and with much better clarity.
Still, criticisms aside, I enjoyed the book and found it very informative. The author isn't afraid to come to different conclusions than many historians, but also backs it up with evidence. Overall, a highly recommended book if you're interested in military history or European history.
I do have a couple of criticisms though. One is how the author often gave very broad hints at the start of a battle or siege regarding who was going to win it, which I found annoying. It's more exciting if I have no idea who is going to win. Another criticism is how you pretty much need to be reading this book with a dictionary lying close by, because the author absolutely loves to use extremely rare or totally obsolete words. Often I would come across a word that I had perhaps heard of but had no idea what it meant, or words that I'd never even heard of before, and I'm not idiot. This is a problem that the majority of readers will encounter. There simply isn't reason to use many of the weird words he does, especially when there are perfectly good, less obscure words that do the job just as well and with much better clarity.
Still, criticisms aside, I enjoyed the book and found it very informative. The author isn't afraid to come to different conclusions than many historians, but also backs it up with evidence. Overall, a highly recommended book if you're interested in military history or European history.
March 31, 2019
This is a very ordered presentation of a jumbled conflict.
The author introduces all the states involved and their leaders, as well as the strengths, strategies, and hopes of each. The tensions and alliances between these are laid out. Then beginning with Prussia's invasion of Silesia, each major campaign season, and within, each of the several theatres of the war, are related; major clashes are described in short detail, enough to lay out the reasons each side won and lost. The effects of battles on strategies, both on the ground, and diplomatically are followed. The book progresses directly from start to finish; the reader always understands who is doing what, and why it is happening.
There is an assessment of the results of the war, which began with the Pragmatic Sanction and ended with the Diplomatic Revolution, showing how Europe was trending. Britain becoming the sea power, France allying with Austria, who was growing closer in turn to the Russians, all getting ready for the next round in the following decade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2016
Very interesting book. I like the author's writing style in setting up the politics of the time and using the battles and campaigns as a consequence of the realities and ambitions of the historical period. My only caveat is that he also likes using uncommon words to describe a situation or person. After awhile I got used to not using a dictionary anymore and just carried on. Great intro into this time period that is hardly touched by most historical books and a must read for anyone (like me) who is fascinated by the 18th century. Great bridge for the other two great conflicts of the early to mid-century wars: the Spanish Succession and the Seven Years Wars.
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December 11, 2010Fascinating info. Read in conjunction with SYW in Europe to get a full understanding of the shifting alliances in 18th century Europe. Great stuff.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews