The War of the Spanish Succession 1701-1714

Description

"The War of the Spanish Succession, fought between 1701 and 1714 to decide who should inherit the Spanish throne, was a conflict on an unprecedented scale, stretching across most of western Europe, the high seas and the Americas. Yet this major subject is not well known and is little understood. That is why the publication of James Falkner's absorbing new study is so timely and important. In a clear and perceptive narrative he describes and analyses the complex political manoeuvres and a series of military campaigns which also involved the threat posed by the Ottoman Turks in the east and Sweden and Russia in the north. Fighting took place not just in Europe but in the Americas and Canada, and on the high seas. All European powers, large and small, were involved -- France, Spain, Great Britain, Holland, Austria and Portugal were the major players, while many others -- Savoy, Prussia, Hanover and Denmark -- were drawn into the conflict. The end result of almost twelve years of outright war was a French prince firmly established on the throne in Madrid and a division of the old Spanish empire. More notably though, French power, previously so dominant, was curbed for almost ninety years, with a balance of power being established in Europe which was only overset with the emergence of the military genius of Emperor Napoleon."--Publisher's description;The line of succession to the throne of Spain -- Chronology: the principal events of the War of the Spanish Succession -- This is the king of Spain -- The Grand Alliance -- The French offensive -- Campaigning in the low countries -- Adventures in Southern Germany -- Enter the duke of Berwick -- Year of miracles -- Over the seas to Spain -- Vexatious distractions -- France at bay -- Unattainable peace -- An end to a weary journey -- A balance of power -- Appendix 1: the main terms of the 1702 treaty of Grand Alliance -- Appendix 2: the main terms of the treaties of Utrecht, Baden and Rastadt, and Madrid (1713-15) -- Appendix 3: key military figures in the War of the Spanish Succession