The War of the Spanish Succession was a European great power conflict fought between 1701 and 1714. The immediate cause was the death of the childless Charles II of Spain in November 1700, which led to a struggle for control of the Spanish Empire. His nominated heir was Philip of Anjou, a grandson of Louis XIV of France, whose main backers were France and most of Spain. His rival, Archduke Charles of Austria, was supported by the Grand Alliance, whose primary members included the Holy Roman Empire, the Dutch Republic, and Great Britain. Significant related conflicts include the 1700 to 1721 Great Northern War, and Queen Anne's War in North America.
Clockwise, from top left: Battle of Blenheim (13 August 1704) Battle of Ramillies (23 May 1706) Battle of Almansa (25 April 1707) Battle of Denain (24 July 1712)
Charles II, 1665–1700, last Habsburg King of Spain
Proclamation of Philip of Anjou as Philip V of Spain, Versailles, 16 November 1700
Francis Rákóczi, leader of the 1703–1711 Hungarian revolt; funded by France, this was a major distraction for Austria
The Grand Alliance, sometimes erroneously referred to as its precursor the League of Augsburg, was formed on 20 December 1689. Signed by William III on behalf of the Dutch Republic and England, and Emperor Leopold I for the Habsburg Monarchy, its primary purpose was to oppose the expansionist policies of Louis XIV of France.
The persecution of French Huguenots and his expansionist policies meant Protestant states like the Dutch Republic saw Louis XIV of France as a threat
Battle of Lagos (1693); the loss of Dutch and English merchant ships caused huge financial losses and increased opposition to the war