The War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), which saw major European powers engaging in conflict over the rights to the Habsburg lands, significantly shifted power dynamics in 18th-century Europe. The war involved Austria, supported by Britain and the Netherlands, against France, Prussia, and Spain. This conflict resulted in territorial changes and alliances that destabilized established powers, particularly diminishing the influence of Austria. The war set the stage for future conflicts, including the Seven Years' War, transforming military alliances and reshaping imperial ambitions. It highlighted the fragility of European stability and the continuous struggle for dominance among the continent's great powers.