The early 18th century in Europe was a tumultuous period, marked by a grand struggle for power known as the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714). At its heart was the question of who would inherit the vast Spanish Empire following the death of childless King Charles II of Spain. European powers feared that a unified Bourbon monarchy, combining France and Spain under one dynastic family, would upset the delicate balance of power. This monumental conflict saw nations across the continent align to support either the French Bourbon claimant, Philip, Duke of Anjou (who became Philip V of Spain), or the Austrian Habsburg claimant, Archduke Charles of Austria.

It was within this intense geopolitical landscape that the pivotal Battle of Almansa unfolded on April 25, 1707. Fought on the plains near Almansa, in what is now the province of Albacete, Spain, this encounter represented a critical moment in the peninsular theatre of the war. On one side stood a formidable army loyal to Philip V, comprising largely Spanish and French forces, resolute in securing the Bourbon claim to the Spanish throne. Arrayed against them was a multinational force, a diverse coalition supporting Archduke Charles, often referred to as the Grand Alliance forces, which included English, Portuguese, Dutch, and Austrian contingents.

The opposing armies at Almansa were led by two figures whose personal histories added a unique twist to the conflict. The Bourbon forces were commanded by James FitzJames, 1st Duke of Berwick. A highly capable and respected military leader, Berwick was the illegitimate son of the exiled Catholic King James II of England, making him a nephew to the French King Louis XIV. His counterpart, leading the Allied forces, was Henri de Massue, Marquis de Ruvigny, Earl of Galway. Galway was a French Huguenot nobleman who had fled religious persecution in France, found refuge in England, and risen through the ranks of the British army. This unusual pairing of commanders led to a famous observation, often attributed to Berwick himself: that Almansa was "probably the only battle in history in which the English forces were commanded by a Frenchman, the French by an Englishman." This colorful anecdote highlights the complex loyalties and international character of the war, where national identities often blurred amidst dynastic struggles, as Berwick led a primarily Franco-Spanish army and Galway commanded an Anglo-Portuguese-Dutch coalition that included English troops.

When the dust settled on the battlefield, the result was a decisive victory for the Bourbon forces. The Allied army suffered heavy casualties and was effectively shattered. This triumph had immediate and far-reaching consequences, allowing Philip V’s forces to swiftly reclaim much of the eastern Spanish territories, particularly the Kingdom of Valencia and parts of Aragon, which had previously declared for Archduke Charles. The battle profoundly reshaped the course of the war in Spain, solidifying Bourbon control over the peninsula and significantly weakening the Habsburg cause there. It paved the way for the subsequent Nueva Planta Decrees, which abolished the ancient fueros (regional laws and privileges) of Aragon and Valencia, integrating these territories more fully into a centralized Spanish state under Bourbon rule. The Battle of Almansa thus stands as a crucial turning point, not only in the War of the Spanish Succession but also in the formation of modern Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Battle of Almansa

When did the Battle of Almansa take place?

The Battle of Almansa occurred on April 25, 1707, during the broader War of the Spanish Succession.

What was the War of the Spanish Succession about?

It was a major European conflict (1701–1714) fought over the succession to the Spanish throne after the death of King Charles II without an heir. European powers feared a united Bourbon (French and Spanish) monarchy and fought to maintain the balance of power, supporting either Philip V (Bourbon) or Archduke Charles (Habsburg).

Who were the main combatants and commanders at Almansa?

The battle pitted an army loyal to Philip V of Spain (Bourbon claimant), primarily composed of Spanish and French troops, against a multinational force supporting his rival, Archduke Charles of Austria (Habsburg), which included English, Portuguese, Dutch, and Austrian contingents. The Bourbon army was commanded by James FitzJames, Duke of Berwick, while the Allied forces were led by Henri de Massue, Earl of Galway.

What was the outcome and significance of the battle?

The Battle of Almansa resulted in a decisive Bourbon victory. This triumph allowed Philip V to reclaim most of eastern Spain, including Valencia and parts of Aragon, significantly strengthening his position and weakening the Habsburg cause in the peninsula. It was a critical turning point that helped secure the Bourbon dynasty in Spain and led to the abolition of regional privileges (fueros) in many territories through the Nueva Planta Decrees.

What was unique about the commanders at Almansa?

A notable historical anecdote points out the irony of the commanders' origins: the Bourbon army, largely Franco-Spanish, was led by the Duke of Berwick, who was English (albeit an exile and nephew to the French king), while the Allied army, including British forces, was led by the Earl of Galway, a French Huguenot exile. This led to the quip that it was "probably the only battle in history in which the English forces were commanded by a Frenchman, the French by an Englishman."