Treaty of Amity and Alliance between Saxony (Poland) and Spain
2.1082 Treaty of Amity and Alliance between
Saxony (Poland) and Spain
Alliance Members:Saxony (Poland) and Spain
Signed On:September 20, 1741, in the city of Frankfurt (Germany)
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 36, p. 239.
SUMMARY
Early in the War of Austrian Succession, Saxony was an ally of France,
Spain, Bavaria, and Prussia. The Elector of Saxony, also the king of
Poland at the time, had ambitions of turning the House of Saxony and
Poland into a main power in Europe, but he lacked the capabilities to
do so on his own accord. During the early stages of the War of Aus-
trian Succession, Frederick II was able to tempt Saxony into the anti-
Austrian alliance with promises of concessions of Moravia and Upper
Silesia.
Saxony, however, proved to be a halfhearted ally. Saxony withdrew
from the anti-Austrian alliance with the Treaty of Dresden in Septem-
ber 1742. Prussia responded by increasing efforts to acquire even more
of Silesia. By 1743, Saxony reentered the war as an ally of Austria,
viewing Prussia now as the greatest obstacle to Saxony’s efforts to turn
Poland into a major power.
Description of Terms
This offensive and defensive alliance pledged mutual friendship
and security, with the assurance that both parties would com-
mit to aiding the other in case of attack. Further, the treaty com-
mitted both countries to fight until Saxony held the larger part
of Moravia and Upper Silesia, while Spain was to split the Ital-
ian inheritance with Sardinia.
2.1083 Treaty of Friendship and Alliance
between Denmark and France
Alliance Members:Denmark and France
Signed On:March 15, 1742, in the city of Copenhagen
Alliance Type:Neutrality Pact (Type II)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 36, p. 267.
SUMMARY
During the War of Austrian Succession, France orchestrated a flurry of
alliances in the nascent stages of the conflict. One such alliance was
concluded with Denmark. The alliance tried to alleviate any uncer-
tainties between the parties as it confirmed mutual friendship and also
the previous treaties between the two sides.
France jumped on the opportunity of an alliance with Denmark
because of Denmark’s warm relationship with Sweden. While both
sides pledged neutrality regarding the ongoing Russo-Swedish war,
France believed that if allied with France, Sweden could serve as an
effective barrier to Russian interference in the War of Austrian Succes-
sion. The potential for Russian interference was great considering Rus-
sia’s alliance with Austria. France also gave assurances to Denmark
that it would assist Denmark regarding an ongoing dispute with Great
Britain over fishing rights.
Sweden capitulated to the Russians soon after the alliance’s formation.
Denmark avoided any direct participation in the War of Austrian Suc-
cession.Description of Terms
The allies affirmed their previous commitments and promised
that both were not involved in and would not enter into any
agreement that would be against the interests of this treaty. In
case of threat, the allies would work together to decide how to
proceed. The treaty was initially signed for a period of five years.
France also pledged to grant Denmark a subsidy of 400,000
écus of the Hamburg Bank every three months. The two coun-
tries would try to make a triple alliance with Sweden, although
they would be neutral toward the ongoing conflict over Finland.
France would also assist Denmark in any conflict with England
concerning fishing rights along the coast of Iceland.2.1084 Defensive Treaty of Peace and Alliance
among Great Britain, Hungary (the Holy
Roman Empire), and Sardinia
Alliance Members:Great Britain, Hungary (Holy Roman Empire),
and Sardinia
Signed On:September 2, 1743, in the city of Worms (Germany)
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 37, p. 183.
Additional Citations:A Collection of All the Treaties of Peace, Alliance,
and Commerce Between Great Britain and Other Powers,vol. II,
p. 355–369.SUMMARY
In 1743 Maria Theresa, in her efforts against France, Spain, and
Bavaria, secured the commitment of Great Britain through an alliance.
This treaty, the Treaty of Worms, that was signed in 1743 also incorpo-
rated Sardinia.
British entry into the war was principally a reaction against France,
with whom Britain was in an open state of war following French med-
dling in the Jacobite uprisings. To this point, though, French participa-
tion was largely indirect, and even French officers were disguised in
Bavarian uniforms. However, British entry forced a French invasion of
the Austrian Netherlands. The French quickly overran much of the
territory and held it until the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle returned the
possessions to Austria.
Sardinian entry came under auspices of naval and financial support
from Great Britain as Spain, with France, tried to repatriate former
Spanish possessions in Italy. Despite early defeats, Sardinia obtained a
crucial victory at Assietta. Sardinia played an active role in peace nego-
tiations, where it was able to retrieve all its possessions that were
annexed during the war.Alliance Text
GEORGE the Second, by the Grace of God, King of Great-
Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Duke of