A Catholic victory over a Protestant assault on Besançon that suppressed Protestantism in the city for more than two centuries.
Key Facts
- Date
- 21 June 1575
- Region
- Franche-Comté
- Battle duration
- Several hours
- Protestant origin
- County of Montbéliard and Switzerland
- Fate of captured Protestants
- Hanged as traitors
- Post-battle repression
- Protestantism suppressed for over two centuries
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Huguenots accused of heresy were expelled from Besançon and took refuge in the County of Montbéliard and Switzerland. In exile, they organized an army with the intention of retaking the city and establishing it as a Protestant stronghold during the French Wars of Religion.
On 21 June 1575, the Protestant force, reduced in strength by several mishaps along the march, reached Besançon and engaged the Catholic defenders. Fighting lasted several hours before ending in an overwhelming Catholic victory. Most Protestants escaped, but those captured were executed as traitors.
The Catholic triumph decisively ended Protestant ambitions in Besançon. Those Protestants captured during or after the battle were hanged, and the defeat led to the suppression of Protestantism within the city for more than two hundred years.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent