What if Louis XIV of France died after the treaties of Nijmegen? Louis XIV of France died in 1715, several years after the Treaties of Nijmegen were signed in 1678 and 1679. If Louis XIV had died shortly after the conclusion of the Treaties of Nijmegen, it would have had significant implications for European history.
Succession Crisis:
Louis XIV’s death would have triggered a succession crisis, as his heir, Louis, le Grand Dauphin, had predeceased him in 1711. This would have led to the accession of Louis XIV’s grandson, Philip, Duke of Anjou, to the French throne. However, other European powers, particularly those who had signed the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, might have contested the succession, potentially leading to conflict.
Balance of Power:
The Treaties of Nijmegen marked the end of the Franco-Dutch War and had established a new balance of power in Europe. If Louis XIV had died earlier, it might have altered the geopolitical landscape, as the subsequent events, wars, and treaties could have played out differently. The delicate balance achieved in Nijmegen might have been disrupted.
War of Spanish Succession:
The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) was partly fought over the issue of the Spanish throne and the potential union of the French and Spanish crowns. If Louis XIV had died earlier, the circumstances leading to the War of Spanish Succession might have been different, or the war might not have occurred at all, as the Treaty of Utrecht sought to prevent the union of the French and Spanish thrones.
Colonial and Global Impact:
Changes in European power dynamics would likely have had ripple effects on the colonial empires of the European nations involved. The course of colonial expansion, trade, and conflicts in regions outside of Europe could have been influenced by the alterations in the European political landscape.
Cultural and Artistic Development:
Louis XIV was a patron of the arts and played a significant role in the cultural development of France during his reign. His death could have influenced the trajectory of French art, literature, and culture in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
In essence, the death of Louis XIV shortly after the Treaties of Nijmegen could have set off a chain of events leading to a different European political landscape, potential conflicts, and a reconfiguration of power dynamics on the continent. The specific outcomes would depend on various factors such as the actions of other European powers, diplomatic negotiations, and the decisions of Louis XIV’s successors.
