GERMANY LANDAU NGC UNC Details Rev. Spot Removed World War OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION (Spanischer Erbfolgekrieg), Germany. Landau. Surrounded by the French under Claude Louis Hector, Duc de Villars and Maréchal, 6 June to 20 August 1713. Crowned ducal coat of arms of Württemburg-Winnental, framed by Jagdorden, C A H Z W around, IV · across the field, 17 13 below; in the upper stamp: PRO/CAS : & IMP: in two lines; on the bottom stamp: BEL: LANDAU/2. FL: 8x. in two lines; on corner stamps: crowned CA monogram / in white.

William III, Louis's main rival, died shortly after the start of the war. His sister-in-law Anne succeeded him. The new queen counted John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, as her commander. His victories at Blenheim, Ramilies, Oudenaard and Malplaquet sealed his reputation as a great general. By 1710, however, the situation was at a standstill. Churchill's victories in the Low Countries were offset by the Alliance's defeat in Spain. The cost of the war made it unpopular in Britain. The succession of the Alliance candidate to the throne of Austria meant that an Austro-Spanish union was no better for Britain than the Franco-Spanish one that made them join the Alliance in the first place. Now, with the Conservatives in power, Robert Harley's administration began peace talks with France and ceased active military participation, much to the consternation of Churchill and the Whigs. Without British support, the other Allies were forced to make peace. Under the treaties of Utrecht in 1713, and Rastatt and Baden in 1714. Philip renounced his claim to the French throne and was confirmed as king of Spain. Spain retained its overseas possessions, while its European territories were divided between Austria, Great Britain and Savoy. In the long term, Britain emerged as Europe's leading maritime and commercial power, bringing an end to nearly a century of Dutch influence and the end of the Dutch Republic as a great power. The dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire continued, paving the way for the creation of more powerful German states, most notably Prussia.