War of Devolution facts for kids

In the 1667 to 1668 War of (the) Devolution, France occupied the Spanish-controlled provinces of Spanish Netherlands and Franche-Comté. Because of one law not many people knew about (called the Jus Devolutionis), Louis XIV claimed these provinces 'devolved' to him because of his marriage to Maria Theresa of Spain.

Alliances/Countries Fighting

-England, Kingdom of Sweden, and the Dutch (Triple Alliance) -

The Spanish Empire

-France

War

King Louis had claimed territory from the Spanish Empire as his own, due to his marriage of Maria Theresa, starting the initial conflict between France and the Spanish Empire. The Triple Alliance, (England, Sweden, and The Netherlands,) decided to intervene in this war, but not allying with either side. They saw 2 countries now weakened by war and realized they could expand. They also did this for the protection of each side, because both were a vital piece to trade in Europe and the world. The French soldiers marched into Flanders, (now in Belgium) and easily secured the city. Just a year later after almost a standoff, they came to a peace treaty with Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I. They would partition the Spanish Dominions until the king's death, and France would annex part of the Netherlands.

SOURCES:

Brittanica: War of Devolution

Wikipedia "EN" edition: War of Devolution

Images for kids

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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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  Louis XIV, ca 1661

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

See also

In Spanish: Guerra de Devolución para niños