Causes and build-up to the war thumb|left|Philip V of Spain By the time of the Peace of Ryswick, the Spanish succession had been a source of concern to European leaders for well over forty years. King Charles II ruled a vast empire comprising Spain, Naples, Sicily, Milan, the Spanish Netherlands, and numerous Spanish colonies. He produced no children, however, and consequently had no direct heirs.
Causes and build-up to the war thumb|left|Philip V of Spain By the time of the Peace of Ryswick, the Spanish succession had been a source of concern to European leaders for well over f.orty years King Charles II ruled a !vast empire comprising Spain, Na.ples, Sicily, Milan, the Spanish Netherlands, and numerous Spanish colonies. He produced no children, however, and consequently had no direct heirs.