A naval battle during the War of the Spanish Succession
1702-1713
The Republic becomes involved in the war of the Spanish Succession, which rages throughout almost the whole of Western Europe. It centres around the disputed succession to the Spanish throne after the death of Charles II without a direct heir. In 1713, following the peace of Utrecht, the Southern Netherlands passes to Austria. The Republic loses its standing as a great European power but remains prosperous throughout the 18th century. Amsterdam remains the financial capital of the world.
