Asher Sisneros

Asher K. Sisneros

Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

Western Civilization Since 1493

September 20, 2024

The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a war in Western Europe during the reigns of Louis XIV in France and Emperor Leopold in the Holy Roman Empire. As a result of the conflict, France lost its supremacy, and England rose to power. The Dutch Republic also completely drained all of its resources and never recovered to its former glory. Yet one must ask, with such horrible ramifications for so many powerful forces in Europe, why did they fight the war? What was at stake? 

Building up to the war, King Charles II of Spain was childless. Most did not even expect him to survive as long as he did because of his sickly condition. Per expectations, he did not bear an heir. This caused major contentions for European powers. Whoever controlled Spain would have a uniquely powerful position in European politics. Understandably, this situation caught the eye of many monarchs. 

The ultimate concern was about the balance of power. If France controlled Spanish territories, they would have a de facto monopoly over trade routes. Yet France, at all costs, sought to oppose Habsburg control over Spain, scared of the potential growth in power of the Holy Roman Empire. Thus Leopold and Louis went to war over the issue and dragged much of Europe into the conflict with them.

Towards the beginning of the conflict, Louis saw success. However, the Battle of Blenheim (1704) completely ruined his reputation as an undefeatable force. His forces were completely crushed, and Louis never regained the upper hand, yet the war continued for another ten years.

Two years after his crushing defeat, Louis pursued peace terms. Nevertheless, the Holy Roman Empire and England refused his terms because they had the leverage at this point in the conflict and hoped to drain French resources even further. The people of France bore an incredible burden during this period. Louis even went so far as to tax baptisms.

Through 1708-09, France was officially invaded by her enemies. At this point, Louis offered major concessions. But the Dutch Republic and the Holy Roman Empire once again refused his peace terms. The bloodshed and financial strain on all the countries continued.

The war only finally came to an end during the treaties of 1713 and 1714. According to the treaties, France acquired Spanish territories but lost everything south of the Rhine River; Austra got the Netherlands, Milan, Naples, Sicily, and Belgium; the Dutch built fortresses in defense of France; and England got Gibraltar, Minorca, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and the Hudson Bay. This brought an end to the war.

The war was fought to maintain a balance of power. Although the European forces succeeded in keeping French power at bay—and even crippling France—it was not at a heavy cost. For example, the Dutch Republic drained itself so much that it never regained its significance as an economic or military power. While France was successfully defeated as a growing power, she was only replaced by England, giving rise to the English Empire.