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Fifteen years after the end of the seven year war, Frederick once more took up arms against Austria. This time the aggression came from Vienna. On December 30, 1777 the Bavarian Kurfuerst Max Joseph died. Three weeks later Austrian troops marched into Bavaria under the pretense of having rightful claims by inheritance. In truth it was the fourth military power play between these two nations. Maria Theresa's ambitious son was at fault this time. She herself was against this undertaking; she pleaded with her daughter Marie Antoinette in France to persuade Louis XVI to intervene. But France was busy fighting in North America, and sent word to the court in Vienna that they would not be able to help. Catherine II sent a declaration to Vienna in October 1778, in which she strongly advised Austria to abstain from the claims made for Bavaria. Finally, after months of threats, but no actual fighting, the peace treaty of Teschen was signed on May 13, 1779. Frederick went home again to Sans Souci.


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