Battle of Konzer Brücke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Konzer Brücke |
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| Part of the Franco-Dutch War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Kingdom of France |
 Holy Roman Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| François de Créquy | Charles, Duke of Lorraine Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg Otto Caretto de Grana |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 14,000 men | 17,000 men | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 2,500 killed or wounded 2,400 captured 10 guns lost |
1,100 killed or wounded | ||||||
The Battle of Konzer Brücke was an important fight during the Franco-Dutch War. It happened on August 11, 1675, near a bridge over the Saar River in a place called Konz, which is now in Germany. This battle was a big win for the Imperial forces.
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What Was the Battle of Konzer Brücke?
The Battle of Konzer Brücke, sometimes called Consaarbrück, was a key moment in the Franco-Dutch War. This war involved France and many other European countries, including the Holy Roman Empire. The battle took place near the city of Trier, and it was a struggle for control of important areas.
Setting the Scene: Before the Battle
In 1675, two famous generals, Raimondo Montecuccoli for the Imperial side and Turenne for the French, were playing a clever game of cat and mouse. They were moving their armies around between Philippsburg and Strassburg. Each general wanted to protect his own land and use the enemy's land for supplies.
The French and Imperial Armies
General Turenne of France was very skilled. He managed to get his army into a strong position near a place called Sasbach. The battle was just starting when something terrible happened. On July 27, Turenne was hit by a cannonball and died.
The Impact of Turenne's Death
The French soldiers were shocked and heartbroken by the loss of their leader. They quickly gave up their strong position and began to retreat. General Montecuccoli, the Imperial commander, saw his chance. He chased the French army all the way across the Rhine River and almost to the Vosges Mountains.
The Siege of Trier
At the same time, another part of the Imperial army was busy. Forces led by Charles IV, Duke of Lorraine, were trying to capture the city of Trier. Turenne had taken Trier for France back in 1673. Now, the Imperial forces wanted it back.
The Battle Begins
To help Trier, the French sent a general named François de Créquy. He had about 14,000 soldiers and 11 cannons. Their mission was to break the siege and help the city.
The Road to Konz
Créquy's army marched towards Trier, but they were stopped at a bridge over the Saar River in Konz. This bridge was a very important crossing point. The Imperial forces were waiting for them.
The Imperial Plan
The Imperial army had a clever plan. They sent a group of soldiers led by Ottone Enrico Del Carretto, the Marquis of Grana. Their job was to take control of a high area, which is now known as the Grana-heights. This gave them a good view and a strong position.
Another group of Imperial soldiers crossed the bridge at Konz. A third group used a special floating bridge, called a pontoon bridge, to cross the river. All three groups were ready to attack the French.
A Fierce Fight
The Imperial forces attacked the French camp. For three hours, the battle was very close, with neither side gaining a clear advantage. It was a tough fight, with soldiers from both sides fighting bravely.
The Turning Point
Then, something changed the battle. Otto de Grana, who was on the Grana-heights, made a smart move. He attacked the French army's right side at just the right moment. This surprise attack broke the French lines.
The French soldiers suddenly started to run away from the battlefield. They left behind all their cannons and supply wagons. The German soldiers chased the fleeing French for more than 50 kilometers, making sure they wouldn't regroup easily.
After the Battle
General Créquy, the French commander, managed to escape the battlefield and get into Trier. He took command of the city's defenses. However, the Imperial forces continued their siege.
The Fall of Trier
Despite Créquy's efforts, the city of Trier could not hold out much longer. On September 9, Créquy and his remaining forces were forced to surrender to the Imperial army. This was another big victory for the Imperial side.
A Monument to Victory
Years later, in 1892, a special monument was built on the battlefield. It's called the Grana-memorial. It was put up under the rule of Wilhelm II, the German Emperor. Even though it's named after Otto de Grana, the monument was really built to celebrate a united Germany.
