Siege of Rheinfelden (1633) Facts for Kids

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Siege of Rheinfelden (1633)

The Capture of Rheinfelden by Vincenzo Carducci.

Date	17 October 1633
Location	Rheinfelden, Further Austria (present-day Switzerland) 47°33′N 7°48′E / 47.550°N 7.800°E / 47.550; 7.800
Result	Spanish victory

Belligerents

Spain

Sweden

Commanders and leaders

Duke of Feria

Unknown

Strength

20,000 troops

350 troops

Casualties and losses

Unknown

All killed

The Siege of Rheinfelden in 1633 was a key event during the Thirty Years' War. It happened in October 1633. During this time, the Spanish army took back control of the city of Rheinfelden. This city was important because it belonged to the Habsburg family, a powerful European royal family.

The Spanish Army of Alsace, with about 20,000 soldiers, was led by the Duke of Feria. He was also the governor of Milan, a Spanish territory. His army had already helped other cities like Konstanz and Breisach. The plan for this siege came from Don Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares, a top advisor to Philip IV of Spain, the King of Spain.

The main goal was to protect the Spanish Road. This was a vital military route that connected Spanish lands in Italy to their lands in the Spanish Netherlands. Swedish and German Protestant troops, part of the Heilbronn League, were causing problems along this road. By taking Rheinfelden, Spain wanted to keep this road safe. They also aimed to protect areas like Franche-Comté and Tyrol, support the Holy Roman Empire, and create a clear path for their troops.

What Was the Thirty Years' War?
- Why Did the War Start?
- Who Fought in the War?
Why Was Rheinfelden Important?
- What Was the Spanish Road?
- Who Was the Duke of Feria?
See also

What Was the Thirty Years' War?

The Thirty Years' War was a long and terrible conflict in Europe. It lasted from 1618 to 1648. Many different countries were involved, including Spain, Sweden, and the Holy Roman Empire.

Why Did the War Start?

The war began mostly over religion. There were big disagreements between Protestants and Catholics in Europe. But it was also about power and who would control different parts of Europe.

Who Fought in the War?

Many powerful families and countries took part. The Habsburgs, who were Catholic, wanted to keep their power. Protestant groups and countries like Sweden and France fought against them.

Why Was Rheinfelden Important?

Rheinfelden was a small but important city. It was located along the Rhine River. Controlling cities along rivers was key for moving troops and supplies.

What Was the Spanish Road?

The Spanish Road was not a single road. It was a network of paths and routes. It allowed Spain to move soldiers and goods from their lands in Italy to their territories in the Netherlands. Keeping this road open was very important for Spain's power in Europe.

Who Was the Duke of Feria?

Gómez Suárez de Figueroa was a Spanish nobleman and military leader. He was in charge of the Spanish forces in Milan. His job was to protect Spanish interests in that part of Europe.

Siege of Rheinfelden (1633) facts for kids

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