The issue of the Spanish Succession: the aims and policies of France; the international response to French claims; the outbreak of war
When the Spanish king Charles II died childless in 1700, Louis XIV claimed the Spanish throne for his grandson. Other European powers feared French dominance and formed a coalition to stop him.
Real World
Charles II's death in 1700 triggered a succession crisis comparable to Brexit negotiations: multiple parties had legitimate competing claims, and every European power calculated whether a Franco-Spanish union would destroy the balance of power they depended on.
Exam Focus
'Assess the reasons' questions require you to weigh factors against each other — state which was most significant and why in your conclusion.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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