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On December 30, 1777, Maximilian Joseph died of smallpox and the Electorate of Bavaria passed to his heir Carl Theodore, Elector Palatine. Theodore had no legitimate children but he did have several illegitimate children whom he wanted Austria to recognize as princes and financially provide for them. Therefore, he made a secret treaty with Joseph II whereby, in exchange for recognition of his illegitimate sons as princes of the Holy Roman Empire, he would cede Lower Bavaria and the lordship of Mindelheim to Austria.

This transfer of territory may have been mutually satisfying for Austria and Bavaria but not to the duke of Zweibrücken Karl Augusts Christian, Theodore's heir presumptive, who protested this territorial transfer. He objected because the ceded territory was his inheritance. Prussia assisted him by declaring war on Austria on July 3, 1778 and invaded Bohemia on July 5, 1778.

There were no battles in this war because neither side craved war. The dispute was settled at the Congress of Teschen were the two rivals signed a treaty on May 13, 1779.

Sources:

  • The Bavarian War

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