The Treaty of Utrecht and its impact on the balance of power in Europe
The Treaty of Utrecht (1713) ended the War of the Spanish Succession. It redistributed territory across Europe and prevented any single power from dominating the continent.
Real World
Utrecht's redistribution of territory — giving Britain Gibraltar, Minorca, and the Asiento slave-trading rights — resembles a post-war trade deal: Britain accepted Philip V's crown in exchange for concrete commercial and strategic advantages.
Exam Focus
Distinguish between short-term territorial changes and long-term shifts in the balance of power; mark schemes reward analytical depth over lists of terms.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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