An earlier diplomatic effort was meant only to make France and Spain less friendly. In the campaign, it succeeds so completely that they go to war and Spain takes Paris, Brussels, Strasbourg, Turin, Liguria, and much of France's remaining position in Italy. Britain must then consider the continental intervention it originally hoped to avoid. The campaign shows how a diplomatic action can achieve its immediate aim while creating a larger military commitment.
Notable Point · 2:57:15-2:58:31
A diplomatic success creates a new strategic problem
An attempt to loosen Franco-Spanish relations succeeds too well, leaving Spain dominant in western Europe and forcing an unwanted strategic pivot.