Treaty of Vienna (1725)
The Peace of Vienna, also known as the First Treaty of Vienna, was a series of four treaties signed between 30 April 1725 and 5 November 1725 involving the Habsburg Monarchy, the Holy Roman Empire, and [History of History of Spain (1700–1808)|Spain (1700–1808)|Bourbon Spain]. A new military alliance was formed, with the Russian Empire joining later in 1726. This Viennese alliance caused Austria to withdraw from the Quadruple Alliance, resulting in a diplomatic shift which led other great powers to coalesce into the Hanoverian Alliance months later in September. The rival alliances did not clash militarily, although tensions led to the limited Fourth Anglo-Spanish War in 1727.
In their new partnership, the Habsburgs gave up all formal claims to the Spanish throne, while Spain renounced its claims to the southern Netherlands and several other territories. Trade treaties were established between the two countries. The most significant article entailed Spanish recognition of the Ostend East India Company and the granting of free docking rights, including the ability to refuel in Spanish colonies. Additionally, a publicly signed treaty confirmed a defensive alliance. Later in the year, both parties signed a secret treaty, solidifying a general alliance between the two nations.
Peace Provisions
Friendship between Spain and the Empire
Following the War of the Quadruple Alliance and the preceding War of the Spanish Succession, Austria and Spain found it necessary to establish a bilateral peace agreement to address mutual concerns. This treaty was inspired by the Treaty of London in 1718 and the Treaty of The Hague in 1720.Claim to the Kingdoms of Sardinia
Before the War of the Spanish Succession, the Kingdom of Sardinia had consistently been under the personal union of the King of Spain, and previously of Aragon). However, during the War of the Spanish Succession, the Austrians occupied Sardinia and the crown passed into the hands of Charles VI. In 1720, the kingdom was granted to Duke Victor Amadeus II of the House of Savoy, effectively merging with the Savoy lands to establish the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont. Charles VI formally renounced his claim to the kingdom.Recognition of the Peace of Utrecht
The Peace of Utrecht contained an important provision that prevented the newly established Spanish Bourbons from claiming the French throne, and the French Bourbons from claiming the Spanish throne. This provision aimed to prevent a possible personal union between France and Spain. Its importance was further emphasized by its reaffirmation in Vienna.Habsburg renunciation of the Kingdom of Spain
Emperor Charles VI renounced all familial claims to the Kingdom of Spain, which allowed King Philip V to become the undisputed heir to the Spanish throne. Charles's decision mirrored that of Philippe, Duke of Orléans, who also renounced his claim to the Spanish throne during the Peace of Utrecht a decade earlier."By virtue of the said Renunciation, which his Imperial Majesty made for the sake of the general Safety of Europe, and in consideration that the Duke of Orleans had renounced, for himself and his Descendants, his Rights and Pretensions to the Kingdom of Spain, on Condition that neither the Emperor, nor any of his Descendants should ever succeed to the said Kingdoms; his Imperial and Catholic Majesty acknowledges King Philip V. for lawful King of Spain and the Indies; and will likewise let the said King of Spain', his Descendants, Heirs and Successors, Male and Female, peaceably enjoy all those Dominions of the Spanish Monarchy in Europe, in the Indies, and elsewhere, the Possession whereof was secured to him by the Treatys of Utrecht..."
Spanish renunciation of the Kingdom of Sicily
The Kingdom of Sicily, like Sardinia, was previously under Spanish rule. During the War of the Spanish Succession, it was occupied by Austria and later ceded to the Duke of Savoy in the Treaty of Utrecht. However, in 1717, during the War of the Quadruple Alliance, Austrian forces once again took control of Sicily. Victor Amadeus II, an ally of the empire, was initially ousted by the Spanish but later regained control.The validity of the Austrian annexation of Sicily as a direct possession of Charles VI was subject to debate due to questions regarding its legitimacy. Despite Austrian claims, Philip V relinquished both his personal and hereditary rights to the Kingdom of Sicily.
Aftermath
Ten years later, Sicily returned to Bourbon control, this time under Charles I de Bourbon, Duke of Parma. He seized Sicily from the Austrians in the midst of the War of the Polish Succession and assumed the title of Charles V, King of Sicily in 1735. In 1759, following the death of his father Philip V, Charles ascended to the Spanish throne as Charles III. However, he was forced to cede his Italian territories to his son Ferdinand I.Spanish renunciation of the Southern Netherlands
Prior to 1714, the Spanish ruled over a portion of the Low Countries, which was known as the Spanish Netherlands. This territory had been under Spanish dominion since the abdication of Charles V as Holy Roman Emperor in 1556. Before Spanish control, the provinces were conquered by the Austrians during the War of the Burgundian Succession.After the War of the Spanish Succession, the Austrians regained control of the territory. The Peace of Utrecht decreed that the Spanish Netherlands should be returned to Austrian possession.