Battle of Malplaquet

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Malplaquet?

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Battle of Malplaquet

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A bloody battle in 1709 during the War of the Spanish Succession.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Malplaquet, 11 September 1709, was fought during the War of the Spanish Succession, near Taisnières-sur-Hon, close to the then border between France and Belgium. A French army of around 75,000 men, commanded by the Duke of Villars, engaged a Grand Alliance force of 86,000 under the Duke of Marlborough. In one of the bloodiest battles of the 18th century, the Allies won a narrow victory, but suffered heavy casualties. Allied advances in 1708 led to the renewal of peace talks, which collapsed in April 1709. After taking Tournai in early September, the Allies besieged Mons, whose capture would allow them to enter France itself, and Louis XIV ordered Villars to prevent its loss.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Although this proved impossible, he decided to fight anyway, and the two armies made contact on 10 September. Marlborough's attack was delayed until the next day, giving the French time to construct strong defensive positions. After an opening artillery barrage, the Allied infantry made simultaneous assaults on the French flanks. These were intended to divert troops from their centre, weakening it sufficiently so it could then be broken by a mass allied cavalry charge. Although successful in previous battles, at Malplaquet the flank attacks incurred heavy casualties, while the French cavalry ensured their centre did not collapse.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This allowed their infantry to retreat in good order, with the victors too exhausted to conduct a pursuit. Most historians estimate Allied losses as about 22,000 killed or wounded, those of the French being around 11,000. These levels shocked contemporaries, and heightened internal divisions within the Grand Alliance over the wisdom of continuing the war. By saving his army, Villars arguably enabled Louis to negotiate better terms in 1713 than those available in 1709, but he failed to prevent the loss of Mons, and the Allied advance resumed in 1710. By early 1709, the French state was bankrupt, while the Great Frost of 1709 caused widespread famine and mutiny among garrisons at Tournai, Arras, St Omer, Valenciennes and Cambrai.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1708: 1708 Milestone — Allied advances in 1708 led to the renewal of peace talks, which collapsed in April 1709.
2. 1709: 1709 Milestone — The Battle of Malplaquet, 11 September 1709, was fought during the War of the Spanish Succession, near Taisnières-sur-Hon, close to the then border between France and Belgium.
3. 1713: 1713 Milestone — By saving his army, Villars arguably enabled Louis to negotiate better terms in 1713 than those available in 1709, but he failed to prevent the loss of Mons, and the Allied advance resumed in 1710.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Malplaquet

True or False: “The primary objective for the Allies at Malplaquet was to capture Mons, which would allow them direct entry into France.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Capturing Mons was a critical strategic goal because it positioned the Grand Alliance forces to advance deeper into French territory.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Battle of Malplaquet