Battle of Fontenoy

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Fontenoy?

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Battle of Fontenoy

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Decisive battle of the War of the Austrian Succession, marking a major French victory.

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Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Fontenoy, 11 May 1745, took place during the War of the Austrian Succession, near Tournai, in Belgium. A French army of 50,000 under Marshal Saxe defeated a Pragmatic Army of roughly the same size, led by the Duke of Cumberland. By 1745, France was close to bankruptcy, and seeking an end to the war. The Austrian Netherlands offered the best opportunity for a decisive victory, and in April, Saxe besieged Tournai, a key strategic town on the upper Scheldt, compelling the main Allied army to march to its relief. Leaving 22,000 men to continue the siege, Saxe placed his main force about 8 kilometres (5 mi) away in the villages of Antoing, Vezon and Fontenoy, along a naturally strong feature strengthened with defensive works.

Career & Major Achievements

After several unsuccessful flank assaults, an Allied infantry column of 15,000 attacked the French centre, before being repulsed. Covered by their cavalry, they retreated toward Brussels, abandoning Tournai which fell shortly afterwards. Despite this, fighting continued until November 1748, when the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the war. The War of the Austrian Succession was caused by the death in 1740 of Emperor Charles VI, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. Since he had no sons, his eldest daughter Maria Theresa became heir, even though she was technically barred by Salic law which governed the Habsburg monarchy.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

To ensure her succession, this condition was waived by the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, a solution which was challenged by the closest male heir, Charles of Bavaria. In January 1742 Charles became the first non-Habsburg Emperor in 300 years, supported by France, Prussia and Saxony. Maria Theresa was backed by the Pragmatic Allies, a coalition of Austria, Britain, Hanover, and the Dutch Republic. By 1745, the main beneficiary from four years of conflict was Prussia, which captured the Austrian province of Silesia during the 1740–1742 First Silesian War. The richest province in the Empire, Silesian taxes provided ten per cent of total Imperial income and contained large mining, weaving and dyeing industries.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1713: 1713 Milestone — To ensure her succession, this condition was waived by the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713, a solution which was challenged by the closest male heir, Charles of Bavaria.
2. 1740: 1740 Milestone — The War of the Austrian Succession was caused by the death in 1740 of Emperor Charles VI, ruler of the Holy Roman Empire.
3. 1742: 1742 Milestone — In January 1742 Charles became the first non-Habsburg Emperor in 300 years, supported by France, Prussia and Saxony.
4. 1745: 1745 Milestone — The Battle of Fontenoy, 11 May 1745, took place during the War of the Austrian Succession, near Tournai, in Belgium.
5. 1748: 1748 Milestone — Despite this, fighting continued until November 1748, when the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the war.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Fontenoy

True or False: “The primary strategic goal for Marshal Saxe in 1745 was to force the Allies into battle on ground of his choosing.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Saxe aimed to negate the Allied financial strength by controlling the battlefield location, which he achieved near Fontenoy.

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