12.2 War of the Spanish Succession and Its Aftermath

The War of the Spanish Succession reshaped Europe's political landscape. Sparked by Charles II of Spain's death in 1700, it pitted the Bourbon and Habsburg dynasties against each other for control of the Spanish throne and empire.

The conflict ended with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. This agreement recognized Philip V as King of Spain but divided the Spanish empire, altering the balance of power in Europe and establishing Britain as a major maritime force.

Succession Crisis

Dynastic Conflict and Competing Claims

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• Charles II of Spain, the last Habsburg ruler of Spain, died in 1700 without an heir, leading to a succession crisis as multiple European powers vied for control of the Spanish throne and its vast empire
• The Habsburg dynasty, which had ruled Spain for nearly two centuries, sought to maintain control through Charles II's Austrian relatives, particularly Archduke Charles of Austria
• The Bourbon dynasty of France, led by Louis XIV, claimed the Spanish throne for his grandson, Philip, Duke of Anjou, based on familial ties and the desire to extend French influence
• Partition treaties were negotiated between France, England, and the Dutch Republic prior to Charles II's death in an attempt to peacefully divide the Spanish territories and prevent a major war (First Partition Treaty of 1698, Second Partition Treaty of 1700)

Charles II's Controversial Will

• Charles II's will named Philip, Duke of Anjou, as his successor, disregarding the partition treaties and setting the stage for a major European conflict
• The decision to bequeath the entire Spanish empire to the Bourbon candidate alarmed other European powers, who feared the potential unification of France and Spain under a single crown
• The Habsburg claimant, Archduke Charles of Austria, refused to accept the will and garnered support from other European nations to challenge the Bourbon succession

The War

Louis XIV's Ambitions and the Grand Alliance

• Louis XIV of France, known as the "Sun King," sought to exploit the succession crisis to expand French power and influence in Europe
• The Grand Alliance, a coalition of European powers including England, the Dutch Republic, Austria, and several German states, formed to prevent French hegemony and support the Habsburg claim to the Spanish throne
• The Duke of Marlborough, an accomplished English general and diplomat, emerged as a key military leader for the Grand Alliance, securing crucial victories against French forces (Battle of Blenheim in 1704, Battle of Ramillies in 1706)

The Bourbon Claim and Philip V of Spain

• Philip, Duke of Anjou, became Philip V of Spain upon accepting the Spanish crown in accordance with Charles II's will
• The Bourbon claim to the Spanish throne was supported by France and Spain's loyal territories, including much of Italy and the Spanish Netherlands
• Philip V faced challenges from the Grand Alliance and Habsburg-backed forces throughout the war, with the conflict spanning multiple fronts across Europe and the colonies (War of the Spanish Succession, 1701-1714)

Peace Settlement

The Treaty of Utrecht and Its Consequences

• The Treaty of Utrecht, signed in 1713, brought an end to the War of the Spanish Succession and redrew the political map of Europe
• The treaty recognized Philip V as the legitimate king of Spain, securing the Bourbon dynasty's claim to the Spanish throne, but required him to renounce his rights to the French crown to prevent the unification of France and Spain
• The Spanish empire was divided, with Austria gaining control of the Spanish Netherlands, Naples, Milan, and Sardinia, while Britain acquired Gibraltar and Menorca, as well as the asiento (the right to supply slaves to Spanish colonies)
• The treaty also marked Britain's rise as a major maritime and commercial power, with newfound control over key Mediterranean and Atlantic trade routes
• The balance of power in Europe was altered, with a weakened Spain, a contained France, and a strengthened Britain and Austria emerging from the conflict