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Why was Philip V firmly established in Spain by the end of 1710?

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Illustration of the Battle of Blenheim showing cavalry and infantry in combat, fallen soldiers, and smoke rising from cannon fire across a hilly battlefield. — War of the Spanish Succession The Battle of Blenheim (August 13, 1704), was the most famous victory of John Churchill, duke of Marlborough, and Eugene of Savoy during the War of the Spanish Succession.

By the end of 1710, Philip V was firmly established in Spain primarily due to decisive military victories and the unwavering support of the Castilian population.

Throughout the War of the Spanish Succession, despite facing two occupations of Madrid by imperial forces, Philip V maintained the "ferocious" loyalty of Castile, which provided a critical base of support. In 1710, after imperial troops were forced to evacuate Madrid for a second time, Philip’s forces secured significant victories at Brihuega and Villaviciosa in December. These successes effectively confined the opposing imperial forces to Catalonia, leaving Philip in control of the remainder of the country.12

Furthermore, Philip’s position was bolstered by his own determination to retain the Spanish throne, as he remained obstinately opposed to any partition of the Spanish empire, a stance that contrasted with the growing war-weariness among his international opponents.3