What major conflict occurred during Queen Anne's reign?

The major conflict that occurred during Queen Anne's reign was the War of Spanish Succession. This war lasted from 1701 to 1714 and was primarily fought over the control of the Spanish throne following the death of the childless Charles II of Spain. The conflict involved a coalition of European powers, including England, the Dutch Republic, and Austria, who opposed the potential unification of France and Spain under a single Bourbon monarch, which was perceived as a threat to the balance of power in Europe.

Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, played a significant role in the outcome of this conflict, as her government focused on strengthening the British military and forming alliances. The war ultimately concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which had lasting effects on European politics and territorial boundaries. It is a defining moment not only of Anne's reign but also in British history, shaping the nation’s role as a rising power on the continent.