The year 1710 was a busy and a decisive time in Spain. At first
success seemed to lean to the side of the Allies, General Stanhope,
the English leader, defeating the French and Spanish at Almanza, and
the Dutch General Staremberg doing the like at Saragossa. Charles the
Archduke, styling himself Charles III, now for the first time entered
Madrid. It was also the last time. Presently Stanhope was badly
defeated at the important battle of Brihuega, and Staremberg shortly
afterwards lost at Villa Viciosa. This decided matters in Spain.
Charles was compelled to flee the country, and Philip's throne was
finally secured to him.
The end of the war came in an altogether unexpected and strange
fashion. This was the sudden downfall of the Marlboroughs and of the
Whig interest. For some time the Queen had been tired of the Duchess
of Marlborough, and had been inclining more and more to Mrs. Masham,
formerly Abigail Hill, a cousin of Harley, through whom the minister
was intriguing for the overthrow of the Churchills. Then Dr.
Sacheverell, a London clergyman, afterwards so notorious, had preached
violently against the Whigs, who were foolish enough to impeach him.
Sacheverell was suspended for three years, and in consequence became
exceedingly popular among the Tories, and their party gained greatly
in the country.
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