Blenheim, August 13, 1704 War of the Spanish Succession John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough Prince Eugene Battle of Blenheim Battle of Malplaquet

Spain’s Charles II died childless in 1701 France’s Louis XIV claimed Spanish throne because he was the eldest son of Charles’s eldest sister Austria’s Leopold I claimed the throne because he was Charles’s eldest nephew England and Holland opposed union of the French and Spanish thrones

Marlborough’s Way of War Seek decisive battle in an age of sieges and “limited” war Two wheeled carts move supplies Advance depots Brought gold to buy supplies “Deserters” who spread misinformation Saxony’s Prince Eugene, once told by Louis XIV to become a priest

WIND DIRECTION

Consequences of Blenheim Tallard: “I hope your grace is aware that he has had the honor to defeat the best troops in the world?” Marlborough: “Your lordship excepts, I presume, those who have had the honour to beat them?” Massive victory for outnumbered English Triumph of disciplined infantry, educated artillerymen Cavalry used in exploitation role But no end to the war

Malplaquet, 1709 Same general plan as at Blenheim, but French more prepared French lost 4,500 KIA and Allies lost 6,500 KIA Then the bloodiest battle in European history

Peace of Utrecht, 1709 Bourbon Philip V becomes King of Spain, but thrones of Spain and France can never be united Britain received Gibraltar, Minorca, Newfoundland, and Acadia Austria received Spanish Netherlands (Belgium)

Marlborough’s Legacy And birthplace of his most famous descendent Blenheim Castle, given to Marlborough as his pension gift