Spanish Succession

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a major conflict triggered by the death of the childless Spanish King Charles II. His will favored Philip of Anjou, a grandson of Louis XIV of France, raising concerns that France and Spain would unite under one ruler, upsetting the balance of power in Europe. Major powers, including England, Austria, and the Dutch Republic, opposed this union and formed coalitions. The war ended with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which redistributed territories among the powers and allowed Philip to become King of Spain, provided that France and Spain remained separate.