Siege of Barcelona (1706) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Siege of Barcelona |
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| Part of War of the Spanish Succession | |||||||
 Siege of Barcelona (1706) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 England Austria Dutch Republic Pro-Habsburg Spain |
 France Pro-Bourbon Spain |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Lord Peterborough James Stanhope |
Philip V René de Froulay de Tessé |
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The Siege of Barcelona in 1706 was an important event during the War of the Spanish Succession. It happened between April 3 and 27, 1706. During this time, an army from France and Spain tried to take back the city of Barcelona. The city had been captured by an English-led army the year before.
This siege was a big win for the Grand Alliance. This group included England, Austria, the Dutch Republic, and some Spanish forces who supported the Habsburg family. They were fighting against France and other Spanish forces who supported the Bourbon family.
Contents
Why Did the Siege Happen?
Barcelona's Vulnerability
In January 1706, a leader named the Earl of Peterborough entered Valencia in triumph. This made Barcelona less protected. Because of this, the French army changed their plans. Instead of attacking Valencia, they decided to try and capture Barcelona.
Who Led the Armies?
The Spanish forces were led by King Philip V. The French land forces were commanded by René de Froulay, Comte de Tessé. From the sea, the city was blocked by the French navy, led by the Count of Toulouse.
The Battle for Barcelona
Challenges for the Attackers
The French and Spanish armies faced some difficulties. They didn't have enough artillery (big cannons). Also, Lord Peterborough kept bothering them. He marched north with about 3,000 men and attacked the besiegers from the mountains.
Breaking the Walls
Despite these problems, the French and Spanish forces managed to make three big holes, called breaches, in the city walls. They were almost ready to storm the city and fight their way inside.
The Arrival of Reinforcements
But before they could attack, a large English fleet appeared. This fleet was led by John Leake and carried many more soldiers to help Barcelona.
The Outcome of the Siege
A Quick Retreat
When the English fleet arrived, the French and Spanish armies quickly gave up the siege. They left behind their supplies and artillery in their rush to retreat.
Aftermath for Philip V
King Philip V was cut off from returning to Madrid, the capital of Spain. So, he had to cross into France. Barcelona and the entire region of Catalonia stayed under the control of the Allied forces until 1714.
A Sign from the Sky?
After the Grand Alliance won at Barcelona, a solar eclipse of May 12, 1706 happened. Many people saw this as a sign. They called it the "eclipse of Sun King," meaning it showed the power of Louis XIV, the King of France, was fading. The French court, however, said it was just a scientific event.
See also
In Spanish: Sitio de Barcelona (1706) para niños
