Siege of Groenlo (1606) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Groenlo (1606)
Part of the Dutch Revolt
Groenlo relieved by Spinola, November 1606. Maurice's army (right) sounds the retreat. (In a painting commissioned from Peeter Snayers by Spinola).
Date 3–14 August 1606 (Spinola) 30 October - 9 November 1606 (Maurice) Location Groenlo, Gelderland (present-day the Netherlands) Result 1st Siege: Spanish victory 2nd Siege: Spanish victory
Belligerents
Spain	United Provinces
Commanders and leaders
Ambrosio Spinola	Maurice of Nassau Diederik van Dort
Strength
15,000	1,300-1,400

The Siege of Groenlo was an important event during the Dutch Revolt. This was a long war where the Netherlands fought for independence from Spain. The city of Groenlo (also called Grol) was attacked twice in 1606.

The first attack happened in August 1606. A large Spanish army, led by a skilled general named Ambrosio Spinola, captured Groenlo from the United Provinces. The United Provinces were the independent Dutch states.

A few months later, Maurice of Nassau, a prince and leader of the Dutch army, tried to take the city back. But his plan didn't work out. General Spinola's army arrived and stopped Prince Maurice. Groenlo stayed under Spanish control for many years after these events. It was finally taken back by the Dutch in 1627.

What Was the Dutch Revolt?

The Dutch Revolt was a war that lasted for 80 years. It started in 1568 and ended in 1648. The people in the Netherlands wanted to be free from Spanish rule. Spain was a very powerful empire at that time. The war was about religion and who should govern the land.

First Siege of Groenlo (August 1606)

Spanish Attack on Groenlo

In August 1606, General Spinola led a huge Spanish army. There were about 15,000 soldiers. They marched to Groenlo, a city in the eastern part of the Netherlands. Groenlo was defended by a much smaller Dutch force. There were only about 1,300 to 1,400 soldiers inside the city.

Groenlo Falls to Spain

The Spanish army surrounded Groenlo. They used cannons and other siege tools to break down the city's defenses. After about 11 days, from August 3rd to August 14th, the Dutch defenders could no longer hold out. Groenlo was captured by the Spanish. This was a victory for Spain.

Second Siege of Groenlo (October-November 1606)

Prince Maurice's Plan

After Groenlo was lost, Prince Maurice of Nassau wanted to get it back. He was a very important military leader for the Dutch. He planned to attack Groenlo again a few months later, in October 1606.

Spinola's Intervention

Prince Maurice's attempt to retake Groenlo did not go well. His army faced problems, and his plan was not strong enough. General Spinola, the Spanish commander, quickly moved his forces to help Groenlo. Spinola's arrival forced Prince Maurice to give up his attack.

Groenlo Stays Spanish

Because of Spinola's quick action, Groenlo remained in Spanish hands. This was another victory for Spain in 1606. The city would stay under Spanish control for more than 20 years. It was a key location in the ongoing war.

See also

In Spanish: Primer sitio de Groenlo (1606) para niños