War of Devolution

During the 1667 to 1668 War of (the) Devolution, France occupied the Spanish-controlled provinces of Spanish Netherlands in what is now Belgium and Franche-Comté. Because of a law that not many people knew about (called Jus Devolutionis), King Louis XIV claimed that those provinces 'devolved' to him because of his marriage to Maria Theresa.

Alliances

• England, Sweden, and the Dutch Republic (Triple Alliance)
• Spanish Empire
• France

War

King Louis XIV had claimed territory from the Spanish Empire as his own becaus of his marriage of Maria Theresa. This claim started the conflict between France and the Spanish Empire. The Triple Alliance of England, Sweden, and the Netherlands decided to get involved in the war but not by allying with either side. They saw that two countries were now weakened by war and so the countries in the alliance realized that they could expand.

They also acted for the protection of both sides since both were vital pieces to trade in Europe and the world. The French soldiers marched into the Spanish Netherlands in what is now Belgium and easily took over the area. Just a year later after almost a standoff, France made a peace treaty with Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I. They would partition the Spanish dominions until the king's death, and France would also annex part of the Netherlands.

War Of Devolution Media

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  Maria Theresa of Spain, whose unpaid dowry was used to justify the war

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  The Yser river, in Maritime Flanders; a good example of the geography in this area

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  Johan de Witt, Dutch Grand Pensionary; he had to persuade Louis to withdraw, while keeping him as an ally

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  Louisxivlebrunl

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  French gains by Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle: Louis returned Cambrai, Aire and Saint-Omer, but retained the rest

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  Spanish and French diplomats at the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle. Both sides were unhappy with the Dutch. The Spanish envoy said it was now Holland's turn. The French envoy d' Estrades noted that they would repay the cheese merchants for their duplicity with usury.

Sources

• Brittanica: War of Devolution