Why Did Europe's Powers Clash Over Spain's Empty Throne?

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was the first of several major wars fought between the great powers of Europe in the 18th century. Triggered by the death of the sickly and childless King Charles II of Spain, the war was fought over who would succeed to the Spanish throne: the candidate from the Bourbon dynasty, Philip of Anjou, or the candidate from the Habsburg dynasty, Archduke Charles of Austria.