Peace of Utrecht
Utrecht, Netherlands
What happened
France and Spain made peace with Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, Portugal, Savoy and Prussia. The War of the Spanish Succession was fought over who should inherit the Spanish throne. Diplomats met in the Dutch city of Utrecht and signed a set of treaties from 1713 to 1715. Philip V kept the Spanish throne but gave up any claim to the French crown, so that one king would never rule both France and Spain.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It helped create the idea of a 'balance of power' in Europe, so that no one country became too strong. Britain gained Gibraltar, Menorca and lands in North America, and became Europe's leading trading power.
What came next
Britain also won the asiento, a contract to supply enslaved people to Spanish America for 30 years. The Dutch hosts had little influence, and a French diplomat joked that the talks were held 'about you, at your house, without you'.
Did you know?
Utrecht hosted one of the first great international peace conferences in history.
Timeline
- April 1713The main treaties are signed at Utrecht.
- 1713Britain gains Gibraltar and Menorca from Spain.
- February 1715The last treaties are signed.