Œuvres de Voltaire Tome XX: Siècle de Louis XIV.—Tome II

Voltaire opens a vivid portrait of early‑18th‑century Europe, where the death of the childless Charles II of Spain set the great powers racing for a new monarch. England, the Dutch Republic and the Holy Roman Empire each marshal armies and fleets, hoping to place the Austrian archduke or a Bourbon on the throne while keeping French expansion in check. The narrative sketches the staggering numbers of troops and the staggering expenses, highlighting how England shouldered the bulk of the alliance’s financial load even as its mercantile wealth fueled the war effort.

Beyond the battlefield, the author turns to the courts that steer the conflict. An aging Louis XIV, increasingly removed from day‑to‑day decisions, leans on advisors whose intrigue and ambition shape policy. Meanwhile, Madame de Maintenon’s influence, though admired, lacks the force to command the turbulent diplomatic currents. This early stage sets the scene for a war that will test the resolve and resources of all involved.