Carl Philipp, Reichsgraf von Wylich und Lottum facts for kids
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Carl Philipp, Reichsgraf von Wylich und Lottum
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| Born | 27 August 1650 |
| Died | 14 February 1719 (aged 68) |
| Rank | Field marshal |
| Commands held | Prussian Army |
| Battles/wars |
Battle of Blenheim Battle of Oudenarde |
| Spouse(s) | Maria Dorothea von Schwerin |
Carl Philipp, Graf von Wylich und Lottum (born August 27, 1650, died February 14, 1719) was an important military leader from Prussia. He became a Field Marshal, which is a very high rank in the army. He was known for his role in several major wars in Europe, helping shape the history of his time.
Contents
Early Life and First Steps in the Army
Carl Philipp was born in Diersfordt, a place near Wesel, in 1650. His father was Johann Sigismund von Wylich und Lottum, and his mother was Josina von Wittenhorst-Sonsfeld.
When he was 18, in 1668, Carl Philipp joined the Dutch army. He fought in the Franco-Dutch War, a big conflict between France and the Netherlands. By the end of this war, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
A Career in the Prussian Army
Joining Brandenburg's Forces
On August 1, 1687, Carl Philipp joined the army of the Margraviate of Brandenburg. Brandenburg was a powerful German state that later became Prussia. He started as a colonel, leading his own regiment of soldiers.
He quickly took on important roles. He became the Commandant of Wesel, a key military position. Later, on September 1, 1692, he was made the Governor of Minden. He fought against the French army again between 1691 and 1693 in the Low Countries.
Rise to Power and New Honors
On September 20, 1698, Carl Philipp became the governor of the Spandau Citadel, a strong fortress. His dedication and skill were recognized. On January 17, 1701, he was made a Knight in the Order of the Black Eagle. This was a very special award. Around the same time, Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I made him a Count. This meant he was part of the high nobility.
Leading in the War of the Spanish Succession
When the War of the Spanish Succession began, Carl Philipp was chosen for a very important job. He became the supreme commander of all Prussian troops fighting in the Netherlands.
He led his troops in several important sieges:
- In 1703, he helped besiege Rheinberg and Geldern.
- Later, he was involved in the sieges of Lille and Tournai.
Carl Philipp also played a key role in some of the biggest battles of the war:
- He fought in the Battle of Blenheim.
- He was very important in the victory at the Battle of Oudenaarde on July 11, 1708.
- He also helped win the Battle of Malplaquet on September 11, 1709.
Field Marshal and Administrator
On February 27, 1713, the new King of Prussia, Frederick William I of Prussia, gave Carl Philipp the highest military rank. He was named a Field Marshal. He also became a member of the Secret War Council, a group that advised the king on military matters.
When Prussia gained control of the Duchy of Cleves, Carl Philipp was appointed President of this territory. This showed that he was not only a great military leader but also a trusted administrator.
Family Life
Carl Philipp von Wylich und Lottum married Maria Dorothea von Schwerin. She was born in Königsberg in 1662 and passed away in Berlin in 1695.
After her death, he married again in 1696. His second wife was Albertine Charlotte Freiin von Quadt Wickerad zu Zoppenbruch. She lived until 1752.
Carl Philipp had a large family with 7 daughters and 6 sons. Two of his sons, Johann Christoph and Ludwig, followed in his footsteps and also became Prussian Generals.
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