The Battle of Cassano delayed the French siege of Turin by forcing Vendôme to defend the Adda crossing, indirectly contributing to Turin's eventual relief in 1706.
Key Facts
- Date
- 16 August 1705
- Conflict
- War of the Spanish Succession
- French Commander
- Duc de Vendôme
- Imperial Commander
- Prince Eugene of Savoy
- Strategic objective
- Control of the Adda crossing at Cassano
- Outcome
- French held the bridge; Imperial crossing repulsed
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following Victor Amadeus II of Savoy's 1703 entry into the Grand Alliance, French forces occupied much of Savoy and moved to besiege Turin. Prince Eugene of Savoy sought to relieve pressure on Turin by crossing the Adda River at Cassano and threatening Milan, forcing the French to divert their attention.
On 16 August 1705, near Cassano d'Adda in Lombardy, Prince Eugene's Imperial army attempted to force a crossing of the Adda against the French army under the duc de Vendôme. Caught initially by surprise, the French rallied and held the bridge after several hours of fierce combat, with both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Although Prince Eugene failed to cross the Adda, his attack delayed the French assault on Turin. Vendôme and much of his force were subsequently recalled to France in May 1706. Turin was ultimately relieved in September 1706, and the war in Northern Italy concluded with the Convention of Milan in March 1707.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Duc de Vendôme.
Side B
1 belligerent
Prince Eugene of Savoy.