The War of Austrian Succession primarily involved disputes over lands belonging to which ruler?

The War of Austrian Succession was fundamentally tied to the legitimacy of Maria Theresa's right to rule and her inheritance of Habsburg lands after the death of her father, Charles VI. The war erupted in 1740 when Frederick the Great of Prussia invaded Silesia, claiming it was rightfully his. Other European powers, such as France and Bavaria, also sought to take advantage of the situation by disputing Maria Theresa's claim to her inherited territories. Thus, the war was initiated and fueled by the challenges to her rule and the desire of other monarchies to expand their influence at the expense of the Habsburgs. Maria Theresa’s determination to defend her inheritance and her ability to rally support around her claim played a significant role in the conflict, highlighting her as the central figure of the war.