War of the Spanish Succession

In this episode, we explore the War of the Spanish Succession, a major European conflict from 1701 to 1714 sparked by the death of Charles II and the struggle between Bourbon and Habsburg claims to the Spanish Empire. We examine how France, Britain, the Dutch Republic, and other powers fought to prevent one dynasty from dominating Europe, while also competing for trade, colonies, and commercial advantage. We also look at how the war ended with Philip V on the Spanish throne, territorial losses for Spain, limits on Bourbon power, and Britain’s rise as a leading naval and global commercial force.