War of Devolution

Definition

The War of Devolution was a conflict that occurred from 1667 to 1668 between France and Spain over the question of the inheritance of Spanish territories in the Southern Netherlands, specifically the provinces of Flanders and Hainaut. This war marked one of the early military conflicts under the reign of Louis XIV and highlighted the growing power of the French monarchy during the Valois and Bourbon dynasties.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The War of Devolution began as Louis XIV claimed that his wife, Maria Theresa, had a rightful claim to her father's territories in the Spanish Netherlands due to her inheritance rights.
2. The war showcased France's military strength, with Louis XIV successfully leading his army to capture key cities such as Lille.
3. Despite its short duration, the conflict set the stage for further hostilities between France and Spain in subsequent wars.
4. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle recognized some territorial gains for France but ultimately fell short of fully satisfying Louis XIV's ambitions in the region.
5. The War of Devolution played a significant role in establishing France's dominance in European politics during the late 17th century, contributing to the decline of Spanish power.

Review Questions

• How did Louis XIV's claim regarding his wife's inheritance rights influence the War of Devolution?
  • Louis XIV's claim rested on his marriage to Maria Theresa, who was a Spanish princess and had rights to her father's territories in the Spanish Netherlands. This assertion served as a pretext for France's military intervention against Spain, as Louis aimed to expand French territory based on these alleged claims. The war not only demonstrated Louis's ambition but also signaled a shift in European power dynamics as France sought to assert its influence over its neighbors.
• Evaluate the significance of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in ending the War of Devolution and its implications for France and Spain.
  • The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle marked the conclusion of the War of Devolution, providing some territorial concessions to France but failing to satisfy all of Louis XIV's expansionist desires. While it temporarily quelled hostilities, it did not address underlying tensions between France and Spain. The treaty highlighted Spain's declining power and foreshadowed future conflicts as Louis XIV continued to pursue aggressive policies that would lead to further wars in Europe.
• Analyze how the outcomes of the War of Devolution contributed to shaping France's role in European politics during the late 17th century.
  • The outcomes of the War of Devolution significantly bolstered France's position as a dominant military and political power in Europe. By successfully asserting its claims against Spain and expanding its territory, France under Louis XIV set a precedent for future conflicts and territorial ambitions. This aggressive stance not only heightened tensions with other European powers but also laid the groundwork for subsequent wars, such as the Franco-Dutch War, shaping a new era where France would play a central role in determining European affairs.

Related terms

Louis XIV: The King of France from 1643 to 1715, known as the Sun King, who centralized power and expanded French territories through military conquests and strategic marriages.

Spanish Netherlands: A region that encompassed parts of modern-day Belgium, Luxembourg, and northern France, which was ruled by Spain during the 17th century and was a key area of conflict in European wars.

Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle: The peace treaty signed in 1668 that ended the War of Devolution, which required Spain to cede certain territories to France.