The Allied Victory …

Years: 1719 - 1719

The Allied Victory in the War of the Quadruple Alliance (1718–1720): Spain Forced to Abandon Sardinia and Sicily

During the War of the Quadruple Alliance (1718–1720), the allied forces of Britain, France, Austria, and the Dutch Republic successfully occupied Sicily and northern Spain, forcing Spain to renounce its claims to Sardinia and Sicily.


The Occupation of Sicily and Northern Spain

 Allied Invasion of Sicily (1718–1719)

  • Austria led the campaign to expel Spanish forces from Sicily, engaging in several battles against the Spanish army, which had occupied the island since 1718.
  • The British navy played a crucial role, defeating the Spanish fleet off Cape Passaro (1718), ensuring naval superiority in the Mediterranean.

 Allied Invasion of Northern Spain (1719)

  • French forces invaded northern Spain, advancing into the Basque region and Catalonia.
  • This forced Spain to divert resources away from its Italian campaigns, leading to the rapid decline of Spanish resistance.

Spain Renounces Its Claims to Sardinia and Sicily

  • With its military position collapsing, Spain was forced to sue for peace.
  • By 1720, Spain formally renounced all claims to Sardinia and Sicily, as part of the peace settlement with the Quadruple Alliance.
  • Under the terms of the agreement:
    • Sardinia was transferred to Austria.
    • Sicily was given to the House of Savoy, securing its role in Italian politics.

Conclusion: A Failed Spanish Attempt at Expansion

The War of the Quadruple Alliance ended Spain’s ambitions in Italy, reinforcing Austrian and Savoyard dominance in the region. The defeat also confirmed Britain and France’s role as key enforcers of the European balance of power, ensuring that Spain remained diplomatically isolated for decades.

 

Related Events

Filter results