- The War of the Spanish Succession was a conflict between the European great powers, fought between 1701 and 1714. The death of Charles II of Spain in November 1700 without children led to a succession crisis, the rival claimants being Philip of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV of France, and Archduke Charles of Austria, supported by the Grand Alliance. Related conflicts include the Great Northern War and Queen Anne’s War in North America.