355 Malplaquet 1709 - Marlborough's Bloodiest Battle

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Examines the campaign of 1709, culminating in the battle of Malplaquet. Led by the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene of Savoy, the allied armies achieved a tactical victory -- but it was a hollow one. The allies suffered 23,000 casualties to the French 11,000 in what was the bloodiest battle of the 18th century. The scale of casualties shocked Europe and led to a reversal of fortunes, with the dismissal of Marlborough and a newly confident King Louis resolving to fight on. When the war finally ended, it did so on terms favourable to France. Although it is generally accepted that Marlborough was never defeated, the Battle of Malplaquet was ultimately a French strategic victory.