Siege of Pizzighettone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Pizzighettone
Part of the War of the Polish Succession
An Italian military map depicting Pizzighettone and Gera, 1733
Date 11 November – 9 December 1733 Location near Pizzighettone, then in the Duchy of Milan, present-day Italy Result Franco-Sardinian victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of France Kingdom of Sardinia	Austria

The Siege of Pizzighettone was an important military event. It was the first big battle in northern Italy during the War of the Polish Succession. This war was a major conflict in Europe in the 1730s.

French and Sardinian soldiers started to surround the fortress of Pizzighettone on November 11, 1733. This fortress belonged to the Austrian Empire in the Duchy of Milan. The actual siege, meaning the attack, began on November 15.

What Was the Siege of Pizzighettone?

The Siege of Pizzighettone was a military operation. It happened when an army tries to capture a fortified place. In this case, it was a fortress in Pizzighettone, Italy. The attacking armies were from France and the Kingdom of Sardinia. They were trying to take control of the fortress from the Austrian army.

Why Was Pizzighettone Important?

Pizzighettone was a key location in the Duchy of Milan. Controlling it was important for armies moving through northern Italy. It was a strong fortress that could block enemy movements. Capturing it would give the French and Sardinian forces an advantage.

The Battle and Its Outcome

The siege lasted for several weeks. The French and Sardinian troops surrounded the fortress. They cut off its supplies and tried to break through its defenses.

Surrender of the Fortress

On November 30, 1733, the Austrian commander in charge of the fortress decided to negotiate. He made a deal to surrender. The agreement stated that his soldiers would leave Pizzighettone on December 9. This would happen if no help arrived for them by that date.

Final Withdrawal

No extra Austrian soldiers came to help the fortress. So, on December 9, the Austrian troops left Pizzighettone. They were allowed to leave with "full honors." This means they were treated with respect. They could march out with their weapons and flags. This marked a victory for the French and Sardinian forces.

Impact of the Siege

The capture of Pizzighettone was a significant win. It showed the strength of the French and Sardinian alliance. It also helped them gain control in the early stages of the War of the Polish Succession in Italy. This battle set the stage for other events in the war.