War of the Spanish Succession Divisions

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a conflict over who should inherit the Spanish throne after Charles II’s death. Major European powers split into two main sides: the Grand Alliance (including Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Austria) aimed to prevent France and Spain from uniting under one ruler, fearing a shift in balance of power. The opposing side was primarily France and Spain, supporting the Bourbon claimant. The war involved shifting alliances and battles across Europe and overseas, ending with the Treaty of Utrecht, which maintained European balance by ceding territories and confirming Philip V as Spain’s king, but restricting the union of the two crowns.