Stately quadrille

The stately quadrille is the name given to set of constantly shifting alliances between the great powers of Europe during the 18th century.

The ultimate objective was to maintain the balance of power in Europe to stop any one alliance or country becoming too strong.

In the years that followed, they managed to defeat a resurgent Spain, formerly a French ally, in the War of the Quadruple Alliance.

In 1733, however the Anglo-Austrian Alliance seemed under threat, when the British failed to assist the Austrians in the War of the Polish Succession.

Austria had to rely heavily on Russia for assistance and was forced to make huge concessions to Spain in the 1738 peace treaty.

The concept began to fade in the second half of the 18th century, as Britain and France became the dominant European powers.

The quadrille was a popular dance of the 18th century. Because of its similarity to the way in which Great Powers swapped partners, the term was swiftly applied to describe it.
The stately quadrille reached its height in 1756, when several new alliances formed as a result of the Diplomatic Revolution .