The Spanish War of Succession (1701-1714) was a major European conflict triggered by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain. His will favored Philip of Anjou, a grandson of King Louis XIV of France, raising concerns among other European powers about a potential French-Spanish union. The war involved several nations, including Great Britain, Austria, and the Dutch Republic, who formed the Grand Alliance against France and Spain. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which established a balance of power in Europe and recognized Philip as king, provided he renounced claims to the French throne.