War of the Spanish Succession: The Bloody Struggle for the Throne of Spain

Q: What was the War of the Spanish Succession?

The War of the Spanish Succession was a major European conflict that lasted from 1701 to 1714, fought over the throne of Spain.

Q: How did the War of the Spanish Succession begin?

The War of the Spanish Succession began with the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain in November 1700. Since there was no clear successor, the House of Bourbon and the House of Habsburg each laid claim to the throne.

Q: Who won the War of the Spanish Succession?

At the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, King Philip V of Spain retained his throne. However, the true winner of the war could be said to be Britain, which had increased its power both on the continent and overseas.

Harrison W. Mark

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Definition

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was the first of several major wars fought between the great powers of Europe in the 18th century. Triggered by the death of the sickly and childless King Charles II of Spain, the war was fought over who would succeed to the Spanish throne: the candidate from the Bourbon dynasty, Philip of Anjou, or the candidate from the Habsburg dynasty, Archduke Charles of Austria.

More about: War of the Spanish Succession

Timeline

30 Jun 1703
During the War of the Spanish Succession, the Battle of Ekeren takes place at Ekeren, Antwerp, modern-day Belgium as a Bourbon army of 24,000 surrounds a Dutch force of 12,000. The army of the Dutch Republic famously escaped and both sides claimed victory.
24 Jul 1712
The Battle of Denain, fought during the War of the Spanish Succession, ends in a French victory over the Dutch and Austrian forces owing mainly to the brilliant tactics of Marshall Claude de Villars.
11 Apr 1713
The Peace of Utrecht/Treaty of Utrecht is signed in the city of Utrecht, Netherlands ending the War of the Spanish Succession.