HISTORIAS                    Manuel Espejo

Gibraltar

 

In 1700, the vast Spanish Empire encompassed territories such as the Spanish Netherlands, significant parts of Italy, the Philippines, and extensive regions across the Americas.

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The War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) was ignited by the passing of King Charles II of Spain in November 1700, leaving no direct heir. In his will, Charles designated Philip of Anjou, a grandson of Louis XIV of France, as his successor. Upon Philip's proclamation as king on November 16, 1700, hostilities erupted, with France and Spain pitted against the Grand Alliance, consisting of states like Austria, Britain, and the Dutch Republic. The Grand Alliance members were wary of the potential concentration of power that could result from a union between Spain and France under the Bourbon dynasty. This conflict was not a matter of legitimacy, as Philip was, according to the norms of the time, the rightful King of Spain. Instead, it was driven by concerns regarding the balance of power among European nations, particularly opposition to the ascendancy of the French Bourbons. As a response, the Grand Alliance supported the Austrian candidate, Charles, for the Spanish throne.

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The War of the Spanish Succession unfolded primarily in Spain but had various phases marked by advances and retreats on both sides. The war lacked ideological convictions or moral distinctions; it was driven purely by political and territorial interests of the ruling classes. The populace bore the brunt of the conflict, enduring the devastation and loss of life.

During one skirmish, English forces seized Gibraltar and the island of Menorca.

The war began to lose significance when the Grand Alliance's candidate, Charles of Austria, accepted the throne of his own country. Consequently, support for the Grand Alliance waned.

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Ultimately, the war concluded with the Utrecht Treaty of 1713. This treaty stipulated that there would not be a single monarch for both France and Spain, but Philip was recognized as the King of Spain by the Grand Alliance states. Territorially, the treaty did not bring substantial changes compared to the pre-war situation. However, Britain retained the perpetual possession of Menorca and Gibraltar. Menorca would later be reclaimed by the Spanish Crown through a military operation, but Gibraltar remains under British sovereignty.

This historical episode reveals several key insights: 

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• State territories are not natural formations but hav e evolved historically, often shaped by complex and sometimes unfair processes.

• States have frequently emerged from the pursuit of specific interests by their ruling classes, which do not always align with the broader interests of the state itself.

• Throughout history, the common people have borne the brunt of wars and conflicts, often experiencing suffering and loss without significant gains.

• States can exploit the weaknesses or vulnerabilities of other nations to gain advantages, as seen in the case of Spain in 1700.

• Ethics may be absent in the actions of states, particularly when state interests align closely with the personal interests of their leaders. This highlights the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of state behaviour.