Chapter 20

FROM THE PEACE OF NIMEGUEN TO THE PEACE OF UTRECHT

A.D. 1678--1713

State of Europe subsequently to the Peace of Nimeguen--Arrogant Conduct of Louis XIV.--Truce for Twenty Years--Death of Charles II. of England--League of Augsburg--The Conduct of William--He invades England--James II. Deposed--William III. proclaimed King of England--King William puts himself at the Head of the Confederacy against Louis XIV., and enters on the War--Military Operations--Peace of Ryswyk--Death of Charles II. of Spain--War of Succession--Death of William III.--His Character--Duke of Marlborough--Prince Eugene--Successes of the Earl of Peterborough in Spain and Portugal--Louis XIV. solicits Peace--Conferences for Peace--Peace of Utrecht--Treaty of the Barrier.