18th-Century Characters, Including Frederick the Great, Discussion Post 33

[cahn]

And, I mean, it doesn't have to be just 18th century characters, either!

(also, waiting for Yuletide!)

Comments

1730 International Relations: Austria-Spain

[mildred_of_midgard]

Seen as "natural enemies" since the War of the Spanish Succession, since they both claim territory in Italy. Neither wants the other to get the upper hand in Italy. Charles VI has finally stopped officially claiming the title King of Spain, but you know neither he nor Philip has forgotten that Charles thinks he's the rightful king of Spain.

BUT! Since 1725, they've been in an alliance which, for this very reason, is referred to as a diplomatic revolution. Everybody was shocked when it happened.

By 1730, though, the alliance is very wobbly, not least because the Austrian Ostend Company has been shut down, so financial incentives to continue the alliance are small. It's also clear that the proposed marriage project isn't going to happen. Plus, there's a war scare over the issue of Spanish garrisons in Parma and Tuscany. Britain and France are currently trying to resolve this.