The New Student's Reference Work/Quadruple Alliance

Quad'ruple Alli'ance, a league against Spain, formed in August, 1718, between Britain, France, Austria and Holland, to counteract the ambitious schemes of Alberoni. It was made upon the basis of the Triple Alliance, which had been formed in January, 1717, between England, Holland and France, and by which the clauses in the treaty of Utrecht having reference to the accession of the house of Hanover in England, the renunciation by the Spanish king of his claims to the French throne and the accession of the house of Orleans to the French throne, should the young king, Louis XV, die without issue, were guaranteed. The Spanish fleet was destroyed by Byng off Cape Passaro; the French crossed the Pyrenees and defeated the Spaniards several times; and at length Philip was compelled to dismiss Alberoni and accept the terms of the Quadruple Alliance.