War of the Quadruple Alliance (1717–1720)

The War of the Quadruple Alliance was fought from 1717 to 1720 by Spain and the Habsburg Monarchy, with the latter being joined in 1718 by Great Britain, France, and Savoy, and in 1719 by the Dutch RepublicThe Dutch Republic was a confederation that existed from 1579, during the Dutch Revolt, to 1795. It was a predecessor state of the Netherlands and the first fully independent Dutch nation state. Although the state was small and contained only around 1.5 million inhabitants, it controlled a worldwide network of seafaring trade routes. The income from this trade allowed the Dutch Republic to compete militarily against much larger countries. It amassed a huge fleet of 2,000 ships, initially larger than the fleets of England and France combined.Dutch Republic. Caused by Spanish attempts to recover territories in Italy ceded in the 1713 Peace of Utrecht, most of the fighting took place in Sicily and Spain, with minor engagements in North America. Spain also promoted the Jacobite rising of 1719 in Scotland in an effort to divert British naval resources.

SpainThe Spanish Empire was a colonial empire governed by Spain and its predecessor states between 1492 and 1976. One of the largest empires in history, it was the first to usher the European Age of Discovery and achieve a global scale, controlling vast territory. It was one of the most powerful empires of the early modern period, reaching its maximum extent in the 18th century.Spain recaptured Sardinia in 1717 from Habsburg Austria, followed by a landing in Sicily in July 1718. On 2 August, the Quadruple Alliance was formed and on 11th, the Royal Navy defeated a Spanish fleet at Cape Passaro. This meant their troops in Sicily could not be resupplied or reinforced, and Austrian land forces eventually retook the island. In October 1719, a British naval force sacked the Spanish port of Vigo.

The 1720 Treaty of The Hague restored the position prior to 1717, with Savoy and Austria exchanging Sardinia and Sicily.

The war is named for the alliance signed between Austria and the Triple Alliance of Great BritainThe Kingdom of Great Britain was a sovereign country in Western Europe from 1 May 1707 to the end of 31 December 1800. The state was created by the 1706 Treaty of Union and ratified by the Acts of Union 1707, which united the kingdoms of England (which included Wales) and Scotland to form a single kingdom encompassing the whole island of Great Britain and its outlying islands, with the exception of the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.Great Britain, FranceThe Kingdom of France is the historiographical name or umbrella term given to various political entities of France in the medieval and early modern period. It was one of the most powerful states in Europe since the High Middle Ages. It was also an early colonial power, with possessions around the world. Colonial conflicts with Great Britain led to the loss of much of its North American holdings by 1763. The Kingdom of France adopted a written constitution in 1791, but the Kingdom was abolished a year later and replaced with the First French Republic.France, and the Dutch Republic against Spain on 2 August 1718. Savoy entered the alliance on 8 November, despite fighting Spain in Sicily since 1 July. Inversely, the Dutch Republic did not declare war on Spain until August 1719.

In this painting, created half a century after the event, the action is shown at about 4 o'clock. Byng's flagship the 'Barfleur', 90 guns, is prominently depicted firing her starboard broadside, in starboard-bow view left of centre, into the 'San Luis', 60 guns. On the right, the principal Spanish flagship, the 'Real San Felipe', 74 guns, is shown in starboard-broadside view being raked from the stern by the 'Superbe', 60 guns, and hauling down her flag. This fire is being returned by a Spanish rear-admiral in port-quarter view, and by another Spanish ship which is seen in port-bow view on the 'Barfleur's' quarter, almost obscured by smoke. To the left of this group a Spanish ship lies in starboard-quarter and broadside view, with her colours struck. To the left of her are the bows of an English ship beside a further prize. On the right of the painting, in the distance, another Spanish Rear-Admiral is sailing out of the picture, hotly engaged on both sides. Of the Spanish fleet, 16 were taken and seven burnt. The artist started his painting career as an assistant to a ship's painter on Sir Charles Knowles's ship, and he rose to become one of the principal painters of naval actions of the 18th century. The painting was exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1767 and 1768.

×

In this painting, created half a century after the event, the action is shown at about 4 o'clock. Byng's flagship the 'Barfleur', 90 guns, is prominently depicted firing her starboard broadside, in starboard-bow view left of centre, into the 'San Luis', 60 guns. On the right, the principal Spanish flagship, the 'Real San Felipe', 74 guns, is shown in starboard-broadside view being raked from the stern by the 'Superbe', 60 guns, and hauling down her flag. This fire is being returned by a Spanish rear-admiral in port-quarter view, and by another Spanish ship which is seen in port-bow view on the 'Barfleur's' quarter, almost obscured by smoke. To the left of this group a Spanish ship lies in starboard-quarter and broadside view, with her colours struck. To the left of her are the bows of an English ship beside a further prize. On the right of the painting, in the distance, another Spanish Rear-Admiral is sailing out of the picture, hotly engaged on both sides. Of the Spanish fleet, 16 were taken and seven burnt. The artist started his painting career as an assistant to a ship's painter on Sir Charles Knowles's ship, and he rose to become one of the principal painters of naval actions of the 18th century. The painting was exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1767 and 1768.

( Click image to enlarge)

• Outline War of the Quadruple Alliance (1717–1720)
  

  HISTORIC BATTLES

  War of the Quadruple Alliance (1717–1720)

  The War of the Quadruple Alliance was fought from 1717 to 1720 by Spain and the Habsburg Monarchy, with the latter being joined in 1718 by Great Britain, France, and Savoy, and in 1719 by the Dutch Republic. Caused by Spanish attempts to recover territories in Italy ceded in the 1713 Peace of Utrecht, most of the fighting took place in Sicily and Spain, with minor engagements in North America. View Historic Battle »

  Causes: Duke of Anjou, was recognized as King Philip V of Spain, but on the condition that he be removed from the French line of succession, thereby ensuring that the French and Spanish crowns would never be united.

  Outbreak of Conflict: The initial Austrian reaction to this invasion was limited, as the Austrian Supreme Commander, Prince Eugene of Savoy, wanted to avoid a major war in Italy as long as the conflict in the Balkans continued, soaking up Austrian troops and resources.

  Wider War (1718): The French, Austrians, and British now demanded Spanish withdrawal from Sicily and Sardinia. The attitude of Victor Amadeus II of Savoy was ambiguous, as he agreed to negotiate with Cardinal Alberoni to form an anti-Austrian alliance.

  Battles (1719): The Duke of Berwick's army met very little resistance, but was forced back by heavy losses due to disease. A second attack in Catalonia suffered the same fate.

  Peace (1720): Displeased with his kingdom's military performance, Philip dismissed Alberoni in December 1719, and made peace with the allies with the Treaty of The Hague on 17 February 1720.

  Legacy: The war provided a unique example during the eighteenth century when Britain and France were on the same side.

RESOURCES
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "War of the Quadruple Alliance", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.