The significance of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) was that it set the stage for subsequent conflicts over power and territory in Europe. This war involved France, Britain, and various European states, primarily revolving around the question of succession in the Habsburg monarchy. The conflict forced alliances to shift, showcasing the balance of power politics prevalent in Europe. Its outcome led to greater militarization and foreshadowed future confrontations, particularly contributing to the tensions that exploded into the Seven Years' War, fundamentally altering the dynamics of European international relations.