The Importance of the Duke of Marlborough's Participation in the War of the Spanish Succession

Abstract

The political and the military balance of power in Europe became vulnerable at the end of the seventeenth and during the early years of the eighteenth century. The War of the Spanish Succession's background was full of intrigues, speculations, marvellous strategic plans and of course bloody wars. Among all the wars and generals during this period, this paper examines the most outstanding general, John Churchill's role in the historic battle of Blenheim. Besides, it aims to highlight the most significant events and reasons that had led to such an enormous international war and to emphasize the importance of Marlborough’s special military knowledge during the trials of the War of the Spanish Succession.