The invasion of Silesia by Prussia in 1740 triggered a defence pact between Austria and Britain. Reluctantly, for London was already at war with Spain, King George II came to Austria’s aid, in part because Hanover was also threatened; but there was much unhappiness at the additional burden, and two years later Robert Walpole lost his place as Prime Minister.

After Britain helped Austria to eject France’s ally, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VII, from Bavaria, Louis XV made sure the war spread to the colonies of North America and even Madras. Fortunately, thanks to the Royal Navy it escalated no further, and a peace was agreed in 1748 which left the territories of both Europe and the colonies largely unchanged.

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