What were the main causes and consequences of the French involvement in the War of the Quadruple Alliance?

The War of the Quadruple Alliance, fought between 1718 and 1720, was a conflict involving several European powers, including France, Britain, Austria, and the Dutch Republic. The primary cause of the war was the Spanish succession crisis, which began when the Spanish king, Charles II, died without a direct heir in 1700. France supported the claim of Philip, Duke of Anjou, to the Spanish throne, while the other powers supported the claim of Archduke Charles of Austria. The conflict resulted in the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which recognized Philip as the King of Spain but placed restrictions on French expansionism in Europe.

France's involvement in the War of the Quadruple Alliance had several consequences. First, it led to a significant increase in the country's debt, as France had to pay for the cost of the war. Second, it weakened the country's military and political power, as France was forced to cede several territories to other powers, including Britain and Austria. Third, it led to a shift in the balance of power in Europe, as Britain emerged as the dominant naval power and Austria as the dominant land power.