Battle of Blenheim
1704 · Blenheim (modern Blindheim, Bavaria, Germany) · World · Modern
The allies broke through the French center; the French suffered a crushing defeat and their commander Tallard was captured
Belligerents
Anglo-Austrian allied army
- Commanders
- Duke of Marlborough, Prince Eugene of Savoy
- Strength
- c. 52,000 men
Franco-Bavarian allied army
- Commanders
- Tallard, Marsin, Max Emanuel
- Strength
- c. 56,000 men
Background
In the War of the Spanish Succession, the Franco-Bavarian allied army closed in on Vienna. The Duke of Marlborough made a long march from the Netherlands to the Danube and joined forces with Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Course of the battle
- Long marchMarlborough secretly led the English army 500 km south from the Netherlands to the Danube
- Pinning both wingsThe allies launched heavy attacks on the village of Blenheim and the right wing, pinning the French infantry in the village
- Breakthrough in the centerMarlborough massed cavalry and infantry to break through the French center
- General routThe French were driven back to the Danube, and large numbers of soldiers surrendered in the village of Blenheim
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1704 |
|---|---|
| Place | Blenheim (today's Blindheim, Bavaria, Germany) |
| Result | The allies broke through the French center; the French suffered a crushing defeat and their commander Tallard was captured |
| Winner | Anglo-Austrian allied army |
| Casualties | Allied casualties about 12,000; Franco-Bavarian killed, wounded and captured about 30,000 |
| Territorial change | Bavaria left the war, and Vienna was saved |
Impact
The Battle of Blenheim saved Vienna and the Habsburg Monarchy and shattered the myth of the invincibility of Louis XIV's armies.
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