French–Habsburg rivalry

The French–Habsburg rivalry was a long standing diplomatic and military contest between France and the House of Habsburg. The latter ruled territories that at various times included the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Bohemia and Hungary.

In addition to these, Habsburg expansion into the Low Countries and Northern Italy led to tension with France, which found itself encircled by Habsburg territory. This led to their participation on different sides in conflicts ranging from the War of the Burgundian Succession in 1497 to the War of the Austrian Succession in 1748. The rivalry largely ended with the 1756 Diplomatic Revolution.