During the War of the Spanish Succession, the English intelligence apparatus faced incredible challenges, including French intelligence operations, a constantly changing strategic landscape and the complexities of a trans-Atlantic war. As a result of these challenges, the English intelligence apparatus became increasingly professionalized and institutionalized, in a reflection of many of the general trends of state formation. At the same time, the trans-Atlantic nature of the War necessitated greater imperial consolidation and incorporation of overseas possessions into the intelligence apparatus, foreshadowing the rise of truly global empire. These developments were all a direct result of the challenges of the War of the Spanish Succession, and subsequently, arose from the direct actions of and competition between England and Bourbon Spain and France.