Siege of Gaeta (1734) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Gaeta
Part of the War of the Polish Succession
Charles III of Spain at the Siege of Gaeta (1734). By Giovanni Luigi Rocco.
Date 8 April – 6 August 1734 Location Gaeta, Kingdom of Naples (present-day southern Italy) Result Franco-Spanish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Spain  Kingdom of France	Habsburg Monarchy
Commanders and leaders
Duke of Parma	Count von Tattenbach
Strength
16,000	1,500

The Siege of Gaeta was an important battle that happened in 1734 in a city called Gaeta, located in what is now southern Italy. This siege was part of a bigger conflict known as the War of the Polish Succession.

During the siege, soldiers from the Habsburg family defended Gaeta for four months. They were fighting against armies from the Bourbon family, led by the Duke of Parma. He later became King Charles III of Spain.

What Was the War About?

The War of the Polish Succession (1733–1738) was a big European conflict. It started because different countries disagreed about who should be the next king of Poland. This war involved many powerful families and kingdoms across Europe, including Spain, France, and the Habsburg Monarchy.

Who Was Involved in the Siege?

• The Habsburgs: These were the defenders of Gaeta. They were part of the Habsburg Monarchy, a powerful royal family that ruled over many parts of Europe, including Austria. Their commander was Count von Tattenbach.
• The Bourbons: These were the attackers. They included armies from Spain and France, both ruled by branches of the Bourbon family. Their leader was the Duke of Parma, who would become King Charles III of Spain.

The Battle Itself

The siege began on April 8, 1734. The Habsburg soldiers inside Gaeta were greatly outnumbered. They bravely held out for four months against the larger Spanish and French forces.

The Final Attack

On August 6, 1734, the Spanish and French armies launched a strong attack on the city. They managed to break through the defenses and capture Gaeta. This victory was a big win for the Bourbon forces.

A Young Observer

A young prince named Charles Edward Stuart was present during the siege. He was a "Jacobite pretender," meaning he claimed to be the rightful king of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He watched the battle unfold, and it was his first time seeing a real war.

After the Siege

This was not the first time Gaeta had been under siege. Twenty-seven years earlier, in 1707, Austrian troops had also attacked Gaeta during another major conflict called the War of the Spanish Succession.

See also

• 
• In Spanish: Sitio de Gaeta (1734) para niños