The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was a major European conflict triggered by the death of the childless Spanish King Charles II. His will left the Spanish throne to Philip of Anjou, a grandson of King Louis XIV of France, raising fears of a powerful French-Spanish union. This led to a coalition of several European powers, including Great Britain, Austria, and the Dutch Republic, who opposed France's expansion. The war concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which established a balance of power in Europe. Philip was allowed to remain king of Spain but had to renounce any claim to the French throne, ensuring that France and Spain would remain separate entities.