
War of the Grand Alliance
The War of the Grand Alliance (1688–1697) was a major European conflict involving France’s expansion under Louis XIV and a coalition of enemies including England, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Dutch Republic. They aimed to stop France’s dominance and prevent the unification of Spain and France under one monarch. The war saw battles across Europe and the use of new military tactics and technology. It ended with the Treaty of Ryswick, which restored some territories and established a balance of power, helping to prevent any single nation from becoming overwhelmingly dominant in Europe.