Anglo-Austrian Alliance
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The Anglo-Austrian Alliance connected the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Habsburg monarchy during the first half of the 18th century. It was largely the work of the British Whig statesman Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, who considered an alliance with Austria crucial to prevent the further expansion of French power.
The Duke of Marlborough greeting Eugene of Savoy after their victory at Blenheim in 1704, a conflict in which the British and Austrians fought as allies.
The Duke of Newcastle was a prominent Austrophile and one of the architects of the Anglo-Austrian Alliance.
Maria Theresa of Austria. British support was crucial in allowing her to retain her throne during the War of the Austrian Succession. Still, she strongly distrusted the British.
Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend, was an English Whig statesman. He served for a decade as Secretary of State for the Northern Department from 1714 to 1717 and again from 1721 to 1730. He directed British foreign policy in close collaboration with his brother-in-law, prime minister Robert Walpole. He was often known as Turnip Townshend because of his strong interest in farming turnips and his role in the British Agricultural Revolution.
Charles Viscount Townshend, studio of Kneller. National Portrait Gallery NPG 1363. Probably painted soon after Townshend entered the House of Lords in 1697, but he does not wear his official robes. This is typical of the Kit-Cat Club portraits, which emphasise the like-mindedness and unity of the members rather than their different social positions
Elizabeth Pelham, first wife of Charles, painted by Godfrey Kneller (late 1690s)
Dorothy Walpole, second wife of Charles, by Charles Jervas