First Battle of Höchstädt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Höchstädt
Part of the War of the Spanish Succession
Date 30 September 1703 Location Höchstädt in Bavaria 48°36′N 10°35′E / 48.600°N 10.583°E / 48.600; 10.583 Result French victory
Belligerents
Austria	Kingdom of France Electorate of Bavaria
Commanders and leaders
Limburg Styrum Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau	Claude de Villars Maximilian II Emanuel
Strength
20,000-23,000	24,000-35,000
Casualties and losses
11,000-12,244 4,000 killed 3,744 wounded 4,500 captured	1,000 dead and wounded

The First Battle of Höchstädt was a major battle fought on September 20, 1703. It happened near the town of Höchstädt in Bavaria, which is now part of Germany. In this battle, the armies of France and Bavaria won a victory. They were led by a French general named Marshal Villars. They fought against the Austrian army, led by General Hermann Otto of Limburg Styrum.

This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the War of the Spanish Succession. This war lasted from 1701 to 1714. It was fought to decide who would become the next king of Spain after King Charles II died without an heir.

What Led to the Battle?

Before the battle, on September 15, 1703, a large army called the Imperial Army captured the city of Augsburg. This army was led by Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden. By taking Augsburg, they threatened Bavaria from the west.

Meanwhile, a part of the Imperial Army, led by Count Styrum, moved east. This group had been left north of the Danube River by Baden. On September 19, they reached Höchstädt.

Marshal Villars and Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria, decided to stop this army. They moved their own forces to intercept Count Styrum's troops. They also ordered another French force, about 7,000 men strong, to attack from behind. This second French force was led by a general named d'Usson and was near Dillingen.

The Battle Begins

The plan by the French and Bavarians almost went wrong. General d'Usson attacked too early. His army was smaller than Count Styrum's forces. Because of this, d'Usson's troops were pushed back.

However, Marshal Villars and Maximilian Emanuel arrived just in time. They quickly attacked the Imperial Army. The Imperial soldiers didn't have time to get into their best fighting positions.

The Imperial Army was in a tough spot. But thanks to the amazing bravery of their rearguard, led by Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau, Count Limburg Styrum was able to save most of his army. They managed to escape and reach the town of Nördlingen.

Aftermath and Losses

The Imperial Army suffered heavy losses in this battle. They lost about 12,000 soldiers. Many of these soldiers were taken prisoner by the French and Bavarians. The Imperials also lost 37 cannons and all of their supplies.

In contrast, the French and Bavarian armies lost far fewer men. They only lost about 1,000 soldiers in total. This made the First Battle of Höchstädt a clear victory for France and Bavaria.

One year later, another important battle was fought in the same area. This was the Second Battle of Höchstädt. In English, this battle is usually known as the Battle of Blenheim. It's important not to confuse these two battles. There was also a different battle in 1800, also called the Battle of Höchstädt, during the French Revolutionary Wars.