Editing War of Devolution (section)

===Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle===
With the largest army in Europe, Turenne, Condé and Orléans argued for continuing the war. Lionne, Colbert and Le Tellier recommended peace, primarily on financial grounds; the 1660s was a period of significant economic decline, and war was expensive. France was unprepared for a naval war against the Dutch and English, and while Colbert had initiated policies aimed at reducing its dependence on Dutch shipping for transporting goods, this would take time.{{Sfn|Macintosh|1973|pp=153–154}} In addition to those already contracted with Brandenburg, [[Charles V, Duke of Lorraine|Charles of Lorraine]] offered Mariana another 8,000 men. {{Sfn|Macintosh|1973|p=163}}

In February, seven year old Charles was reported to be suffering from [[smallpox]], an often fatal disease; his death would give Louis a good chance of achieving his objectives without fighting. The combination decided him on peace; on 25 April, the Treaty of Saint Germain, between France, England and the Republic, finalised terms, which were then incorporated into the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668)|Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle]], signed by Spain and France on 2 May.{{Sfn|Lesaffer}}