The Battle Of Hochsted

August 13, 1704

In the beginning of the war superiority of Ludwig XIV was so strong that he could even nurture the idea of crushing all of his opponents like Napoleon. A coalition with Bavarian Elector offered an opportunity to lead the united army through Italy and Germany for a direct impact on Vienna. But soon Marlboroughs defied his government orders and led the English-Holland army to Danube which resulted in the advantage of opponents. For a long time opposing armies maneuvered around each other. But as the French-Bavarian troops took an unassailable position near Augsburg, the allies had nothing to do but appeal to Electorate by systematically ravaging bavarian counties to force the agreement by means of distress. But then again, the method didn't prove effective since Elector turned out a real die hard; Marlboros army was about to retreat. A specially assigned corps desperately tried to siege Ingolstadt. As the French-Bavarian troops started countermeasures Eugen and Marlborough decided to attack the enemy's new position before it is secured. French-Bavarian army was caught by surprise before they completed their fortifications. The allies won by an insignificant superiority (48000 against 47000 French-Bavarians with allied corps of Ludwig directed to siege of Ingolstadt.) Marlboro succeeded in breaking the opponent's defence in the center. After that he posed a threat from enemy's rear. It resulted in capitulation of Blindheim garrison. The French army was commanded by marshal Tallar (center) and marshal Marcene, while Max Emmanoile (Blindheim) was in command of Bavarians. The English troops were led by earl of Marlborough (left flank and center), and Imperial soldiers by Eugen of Savoia (right flank).