Balance of power is a defensive strategy used for battles or war. This strategy is basically to maintain an equilibrium, in which weak countries join together to match or exceed the power of a stronger country. This strategy is very intelligent especially if a strong country wants to take over your land.
This strategy has been used in history. During the 1600's, France was the most powerful country in Europe. France had a population of about 20million people and an army numbering 100,000 in peacetime and as many as 400,000 in wartime. France was also far ahead of other nations" armies in size, training, and weaponry. This made France the most powerful country.
Alone, no other country was match for France. This is where other countries joined using balance of power. Many smaller countries banded together to stop France's aggression. At various times, England, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, and several German states joined forces against France.
Another big example of balance of power was seen in the 1700's when Louis's grandson Phillip became the king of Spain. This meant that the two greatest powers in Europe, enemies for so long, were now linked by bonds of blood. Other countries felt threatened by the sudden increase in the power of the Bourbon dynasty.
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In 1701 countries such as England, Austria, the Dutch republic, Denmark, Portugal, several German states, and the Italian duchy of Savoy all joined together against France and Spain. They fought a war known as the War of the Spanish Succession.
The costly war lasted for 13 years until finally in 1713, a peace treaty was signed in the Dutch city of Utrecht. In the Treaty of Utrecht, Phillip V, was allowed to remain king of Spain as long as the thrones of France and Spain were not united. .
Balance of power is a very intelligent strategy. It was very important, and made the difference in wars. Because of balance of power many countries survived and were able to keep their land.
