War of Devolution: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:24, 6 October 2006

Revision as of 19:35, 6 October 2006

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==Background==

Louis' claims upon the Spanish Netherlands were tenuous. His wife, [[Maria Theresa of Spain|Marie Thérèse]], the daughter of [[Philip IV of Spain]], had renounced her rights of a Spanish inheritance in return for a large dowry at the time of her marriage. The dowry had yet to be paid, however. When Philip finally died in 1665, Louis' lawyers justified Louis' possible claims by arguing that, while Spanish laws of succession meant the throne of Philip IV would pass to his son [[Charles II of Spain|CarlosCharles II]], ancient laws of Brabant ruled that the Spanish Netherlands could "devolve" to Philip's daughter from his first marriage, Louis' wife. France pressed the claim in 1667; Spain contested it. Louis began preparing for war. His able financial minister [[Jean-Baptiste Colbert|Colbert]] reorganized the army and expanded it from 50,000 to 80,000 men.

==War==