00:00The House of Habsburg, one of Europe's most influential royal families, ruled over various
00:08European territories and kingdoms for over 600 years. Known for their practice of inbreeding,
00:15particularly through frequent intermarriages within the family to maintain their power,
00:21wealth and territories, this strategy led to a decline in the family's genetic health
00:25over generations. The death of Charles II of Spain in 1700, whose severe physical and
00:32mental health issues rendered him impotent and unable to produce an heir, would trigger
00:38the War of the Spanish Succession. France and Spain supported Philip of Anjou, while
00:44Austria, the Dutch Republic and Great Britain backed his rival, Archduke Charles of Austria.
00:51Europe would prevail after renouncing any claim to the French throne, forever changing
00:56the landscape of European politics.
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