The War of the Spanish Succession

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a major European conflict sparked by the death of the childless Spanish King Charles II, which created uncertainty over who should succeed him. Major powers, mainly France and Austria, sought to control Spain and its vast empire to expand their influence. The war involved shifting alliances and battles across Europe, ending with the Treaty of Utrecht. This treaty prevented the unification of France and Spain under one crown and redistributed territories, maintaining a balance of power. The conflict significantly shaped European borders and power dynamics that influence the continent to this day.