Spanish War of Succession

The Spanish War of Succession (1701–1714) was a conflict triggered by the death of King Charles II of Spain, who left no clear heir. Major European powers, chiefly France and Austria, disputed who should inherit the Spanish throne, fearing a powerful unified Spain and France. France supported Philip of Anjou, Charles’s designated heir, while Austria and other allies backed various claimants. The war involved battles across Europe and colonies, ending with the Treaty of Utrecht, which recognized Philip as king but limited Spain’s union with France, reordering European balance of power to prevent dominance by one nation.