Revolução Diplomática

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In 1756, a reversal of longstanding alliances occurred, setting 
the stage for conflict in continental Europe and the New World 
for the next decade. The War of Austrian Succession saw 
France and Prussia battle Great Britain and Austria. By the end 
of 1756, France was allied with Austria and Great Britain allied 
with Prussia. 
Origins 
Following the conclusion of the War of Austrian Succession, the 
Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748 was instituted. In order for 
Maria Theresa to retain her claim to the Habsburg throne and 
have her husband crowned Emperor of Austria, she had to 
relinquish certain territories to Great Britain and Spain. In 
addition, the area of land that was conquered by Prussia 
remained in the hands of Frederick the Great. This positioned 
Prussia as one of the great European powers. 
Westminster Convention 
A meeting between Great Britain and Prussia on January 16, 
1756, established an agreement involving future conflict. Austria 
was poised to invade Silesia, the lands taken by Frederick the 
Great. Great Britain agreed to end its treaty with Austria as long 
as Prussia agreed to protect Hanover from French incursion. 
The Hanover monarchy was descended from the Brunswick-
Luneburg line from Prussia, giving Frederick a greater interest 
in protecting the territory. 
Meanwhile, Maria Theresa realized that Great Britain's alliance 
was ending and poised the Austrian Empire to make a bid for 
an alliance with France in her bid to reclaim Silesia. 
First Treaty of Versailles 
Count Wenzel Anton von Kaunitz was sent to France by Maria 
Theresa. Louis XV was reluctant to sign a treaty with Austria, 
however, when aggressions with Great Britain resumed, France 
aligned with the country. Frederick II had claimed lands along 
France's border, giving Louis XV added incentive to stand with 
Austria against Prussia. After the Westminster Convention 
concluded, Kaunitz secured France's dedication to an alliance 
with the First Treaty of Versailles, signed on May 1, 1756. The 
treaty stated that each country would supply 24,000 troops to 
each other if a conflict with a third party erupted. 
Second Treaty of Versailles 
Russia had established an alliance with Austria in 1746. 
Frederick II launched an invasion of Saxony designed to 
intimidate Russia from siding with its ally. However, Empress 
Elizabeth sent 80,000 troops in response, precipitating the 
Seven Years' War. The following year, on May 1, 1757, France 
and Austria signed the Second Treaty of Versailles. France was 
to receive the Austrian Netherlands while Austria received 
Parma. 129,000 French troops were sent to Austria along with 
12 million livres in an effort to regain Silesia from Prussia. 
With the series of alliances established, the sides of the Seven 
Year's War entered the conflict. Great Britain and Prussia face 
Austria, France and Russia.