Treaty of Defensive Alliance between France and Prussiabrokered the alliance—a Scottish national named Malcolm Sinclair—
was assassinated by Russian operatives while he was en route back to
Sweden.
Description of Terms
The treaty affirmed that the sincere friendship between the two
countries would remain strong. Although both countries are at
peace with Russia, if Russia were to make a hostile move, the
two countries would notify and advise each other. If Russia were
to attack one country, it would be as if Russia had attacked both
countries, and armaments and war movements would be com-
mitted by land and by sea. The assisting country would stop
fighting only after both states were satisfied and would not
make a separate peace.
Other countries would be free to enter the treaty because it
was a defensive alliance. This treaty also confirmed the previous
treaty of commerce between the two countries. A copy of this
treaty would be sent to Russia as a courtesy.
2.1080 Treaty of Alliance between Bavaria and
Spain
Alliance Members:Bavaria and Spain
Signed On:May 28, 1741, at Nymphenburg Palace (Germany)
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 36, p. 193.
SUMMARY
In October 1740, Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor, died without a
male heir. Many alliances and treaties formed with other states
attempted to name his daughter, Maria Theresa, as heir to his holdings
of Hungary, Bohemia, Austria, and Parma. Several rulers in Europe
balked at the idea of a woman inheriting royalty, however, and this set
the stage for the War of Austrian Succession.
One of the disputants was Charles Albert, elector of Bavaria. To
advance his claim on Austria, the elector signed the Treaty of
Nymphenburg with France and Spain. In exchange for Spain’s sup-
port in his quest to assume control of the Hapsburg territories,
Charles Albert promised military support in Spain’s quest to recap-
ture its former holdings in Italy. France’s only interest in the alliance
was dismembering the Hapsburg dynasty without direct military
intervention.
Charles Albert managed to wrest control of the title of king of
Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor for a few years during the early
stages of the war. However, the Austrians overran his position, even
annexing Bavaria. Charles Albert died in 1745, three years before the
end of the war.
Description of Terms
The allies pledged to work together to avoid actions of other
states that might have subverted the allies’ interests; this
included the allies doing everything possible to stop the Grand-
duke of Toscana from gaining the Imperial Throne of Austria.
Spain pledged to use its friends and powers to make the Elec-
tor of Bavaria the emperor of Austria. To reach those ends,
Spain agreed to subsidize Bavaria with 10,000 florins of Hol-
land per month for each 1,000 infantrymen, and 30,000 florins
of Holland per month for each 1,000 men of cavalry. Spain
would have to tell Bavaria six months before stopping this sub-
sidy. Moreover, Spain pledged to give Bavaria 800,000 pounds
in French money fifteen days before the ratifications. If Spain
were to have troubles in Italy, Bavaria would send 5,000
infantrymen and 1,000 men of cavalry, and Spain would pay an
additional 960,000 florins of Holland per year.
The Elector of Bavaria gave a guarantee to respect all of the
possessions of the king of the Two Sicilies and vice versa. As
long as this alliance lasted the king of the Two Sicilies and Dom
Philippe would have free passage on the territory of Bavaria. If
another power wanted to join this alliance, the two parties
would decide on the conditions jointly.2.1081 Treaty of Defensive Alliance between
France and Prussia
Alliance Members:France and Prussia
Signed On:June 5, 1741, in the city of Breslau (Germany)
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 36, p. 217.SUMMARY
Prussia signed an alliance with France soon after the Prussian victory
at the Battle of Mollwitz during the War of Austrian Succession. The
battle itself cemented Prussian control over Silesia. Prussia was still a
minor power in Europe under Frederick II and needed allies to help
fortify its position in Silesia as fears mounted that Augustus III of
Poland, the elector of Saxony, wanted to acquire more of Silesia.
France found the alliance useful in its own attempts to dismantle the
Hapsburg Empire, which formerly held Silesia. The alliance incorpo-
rated Prussia into the previous alliances with Bavaria and Spain.
Frederick II was a valuable ally for France’s efforts to undermine Aus-
tria. As a commander, Frederick II proved successful in Chotusitz,
Hohenfriedeberg, Soor, and Hennersdorf.Description of Terms
Both parties pledged sincere friendship and agreed to continue
mutual correspondences. The treaty affirmed that the allied
powers would act to undermine the peace treaty of Utrecht,
Bade, and Stockholm. Both countries also guaranteed all the
territory they mutually held in Europe and also promised not to
make peace without the other in the event of a war.
The allied powers further pledged to make the prince with
the best chance of keeping the peace accede to the throne of
Germany. This secret treaty, which was set to last for fifteen
years, also assured both parties that any offers from third parties
would be shared within the alliance.