Bohemia during the War of the Austrian Succession

A large and detailed map of Bohemia with eleven inset plans of major towns and castles with their defences, including Prague, published during the French occupation of the country.

The War of the Austrian Succession (1740-48) began as France and Prussia sought to undermine the Habsburg monarchy by refusing to accept that the crown could pass to a woman, Maria Theresa. Soon a dozen European powers, including Britain were at war. In 1741 the French and Bavarian armies invaded Bohemia and the French took Prague in November, after which the Elector of Bavaria crowned himself King of Bohemia. However the withdrawal of Prussia from the war in 1742 allowed Maria Theresa to drive the invaders out and in May 1743 she was crowned Queen of Bohemia in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague.