The War of Spanish Succession
In all of Louis' wars, the main goal in them all remained root in the desire to take Spanish territories and above all the crown of Spain. The War of Spanish Succession did exactly that. The War of Spanish of Succession began in 1702 after the death of the childless Charles II of Spain and his giving the throne to Louis’ grandson Philip, the Duke of Anjou. Fearing the lost of the balance of power and that of Habsburg dominance, the countries of England, the Dutch Republic, and the Holy Roman Empire formed their coalition once more. Though Louis faced many setbacks, such as the loss of Portugal's support and the large economic downturn in France, he refused to submit. Louis' tireless efforts and that Charles III, the coalition's choice to take the Spanish throne, had taken the Holy Roman Empire's throne, his position continue to improve.Thus, both the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) and the Treaty of Rastadt (1714) ended the war with Louis’ grandson on the Spanish throne. This arrangement required Philip to renounce his claim to the throne of France, and gave the rest of Spain’s possessions to the Holy Roman Empire.
Louis’ final war gave the Bourbon family and himself increased influence and power within Europe thanks to the efforts of his armed forces. The French military proved in the War of Spanish Succession that it could success in the face of great adversity. It managed to fend multiple invasions both on and off the European continent. Also, the French stood against, yet again, another coalition of countries and their armies. Though many loses had been taken at such battles as the Battle of Blenheim and that Louis’ armies suffered from great exhaustion, the French held out for twelve years. Along with Spain, Louis’ grandson gained control over Spanish lands in the Americas. The arrangement now gave Louis great influence over Spain and its lands through Philip and strengthened the bonds between the countries. Starting for the War of Devolution to the War of Spanish Succession, the military served to give Louis what he wanted the most, expansion into and control of Spanish lands. In this way, by using the brute force his military Louis tipped the balance of power in his favor.