Spanish Succession Wars

The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a major European conflict triggered by the death of the Spanish King without an heir. Key European powers contested who should succeed him, fearing a single ruler controlling both Spain and France would upset balance of power. France and Spain supported different claimants, leading to alliances among other nations. The war involved battles across Europe and colonies, ultimately ending with the Treaty of Utrecht. This treaty recognized Philip V as Spain’s king but prevented unification with France, establishing a new balance of power to prevent dominance by any single nation.