Battle of Blenheim
Blindheim, Höchstädt, Bavaria
What happened
The Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy led the allied army against the French and Bavarian army of Marshal Tallard, Marshal Marsin and Elector Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria. During the War of the Spanish Succession, France and Bavaria planned to capture Vienna. To protect it, the Duke of Marlborough secretly marched his army about 400 km from the Low Countries to the Danube in five weeks and joined Prince Eugene. Near the village of Blindheim, or Blenheim, the allies attacked on several fronts, and after hard fighting the French centre collapsed.
Why it matters
Result: Grand Alliance victory. Leaders: Duke of Marlborough / Eugene of Savoy against Duke of Tallard / Ferdinand de Marsin. Why it matters: The victory saved Vienna and knocked Bavaria out of the war. Historians still debate how significant it was.
What came next
Marshal Tallard was taken prisoner to England, and under the Treaty of Ilbersheim Bavaria was placed under Austrian military rule. Queen Anne gave Marlborough the royal park of Woodstock, where Blenheim Palace was built.
Did you know?
Marlborough sent the news of his victory to his wife written on the back of a tavern bill.
Timeline
- 1704 CEMarlborough marches his army 400 km from the Low Countries to the Danube.
- 13 August 1704 CEThe allies defeat the French and Bavarians at Blenheim.
- 1705-1722 CEBlenheim Palace is built.
- 1987 CEBlenheim Palace becomes a UNESCO World Heritage Site.