King George II ascended the British throne in 1727 after the death of King George I, and reigned until his own death in 1760. For many years, Great Britain and France were in conflict, but from 1713-1739 they enjoyed a period of peace after signing the Treaty of Utrecht. In 1718, Britain and other nations declared war on Spain, resulting in the naval Battle of Cape Passaro where the Spanish navy was destroyed. This conflict was one of several wars that occurred during King George II's reign.