Main Answer:
The author implies that a possible negative aspect of the Treaty of Utrecht was d. failing to resolve the Spanish succession.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. failing to resolve the Spanish succession.
Explanation:
The Treaty of Utrecht, signed in 1713, aimed to bring an end to the War of Spanish Succession. However, the failure to decisively resolve the Spanish succession (Option D) sowed the seeds of future conflicts. The treaty's ambiguity on the issue allowed for ongoing disputes and power struggles, ultimately contributing to geopolitical tensions in Europe.
The unresolved succession question created a delicate balance of power that proved fragile, fostering resentment among nations and setting the stage for future hostilities. The intricate web of alliances and disputes that emerged from the treaty's shortcomings laid the groundwork for conflicts that would unfold in the years to come, impacting the trajectory of European history.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. failing to resolve the Spanish succession.