Enlightenment · Europe · Politics

1701

Grand Alliance of The Hague

September 7, 1701

England, the Dutch Republic, and the Holy Roman Empire signed a pact to prevent Bourbon dominion over Spain and its colonies. William III, dying of consumption, bequeathed the coalition to Marlborough. The War of the Spanish Succession would consume a decade and redraw the map of Europe. It was the largest alliance the continent had assembled since the wars against Louis XIV began.