A pamphlet was probably issued with this medal to identify the aspects that are marked alphabetically. The medal commemorates the Battle of Toulon 1744, which was apart of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-48). Sides were initially drawn due to the claim that Maria Theresa was ineligible to succeed the Habsburg throne. Great Britain and the Dutch Republic sided with Austria against Prussia and France who saw the dispute as an opportunity to challenge the power and influence of the Habsburg throne. Spain joined the war against Britain and Austria to reassert control over colonies and trade routes that had weakened during the early 18th century due to the expense of their own war of succession.