The Spanish Succession refers to a major European conflict that lasted from 1701 to 1714. It arose after the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain, who left his throne to Philip of Anjou, a grandson of King Louis XIV of France. This decision alarmed other European powers, fearing a union of France and Spain under one ruler. The war involved several nations, including Great Britain, Austria, and the Dutch Republic, who opposed the French expansion. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which established a balance of power in Europe and confirmed Philip as king, but barred him from the French throne.