Treaty of Den Haag (1720)

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Den Haag (1720)?

Subject:

Treaty of Den Haag (1720)

Known for:

Treaty ending the War of the Quadruple Alliance, signed between Spain and the Quadruple Alliance.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Foundation

The Treaty of The Hague was fundamentally rooted in the geopolitical shifts following the War of the Spanish Succession. Its signing was a direct consequence of the 1718 Treaty of London, which established the powerful Quadruple Alliance. This treaty aimed to stabilize the volatile European balance of power by involving major maritime and continental forces. The core principle guiding these agreements was preventing the union of the French and Spanish crowns, a lesson learned painfully during the preceding decades of conflict.

Breakthrough & Iconic Era

The pivotal moment was the signing itself on February 17, 1720, when Spain formally joined the Quadruple Alliance. This act immediately concluded the protracted War of the Quadruple Alliance, forcing Spain to accept the stringent terms set forth in the Treaty of London. Key exchanges included Philip V confirming his renunciation of the French throne and Spanish Italian claims. Furthermore, significant territorial swaps occurred, notably the exchange of Sicily for Sardinia between Savoy and Austria.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The treaty cemented several long-term changes in the map and the royal lines of Europe. Emperor Charles VI relinquished his claim to the Spanish throne, while the young Charles of Spain was recognized as the heir to the Duchies of Parma and Tuscany. The agreements reaffirmed the Bourbon monarchy in Spain under Philip V, while also solidifying British retention of vital strategic points like Gibraltar and Menorca. These clauses shaped the subsequent political landscape for decades to come.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1718: 1718 Milestone — Its signing was a direct consequence of the 1718 Treaty of London, which established the powerful Quadruple Alliance.
2. 1720: 1720 Milestone — The pivotal moment was the signing itself on February 17, 1720, when Spain formally joined the Quadruple Alliance.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Den Haag (1720)

True or False: “True or False: The Treaty of The Hague immediately restored Spain's full, undisputed claim over all its former Italian possessions.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. The treaty required Philip V to confirm his renunciation of many Spanish claims to former Italian possessions, accepting the terms set by the Quadruple Alliance.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Den Haag (1720)