The failed French attempt to capture Brussels in 1708 demonstrated that Allied-held cities could resist assault even when the main army was occupied elsewhere.
Key Facts
- Conflict
- War of the Spanish Succession
- Dates
- 22–27 November 1708
- Attacking commander
- Maximilian of Bavaria (Elector of Bavaria)
- Defending commander
- Colonel Pascale, governor of Brussels
- Duration
- 6 days
- Outcome
- French-Bavarian assault repulsed; Brussels held by Allies
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
While the Grand Alliance army was besieging Lille, the Elector of Bavaria, Maximilian, judged Brussels to be weakly defended and garrisoned, presenting what he believed was an easy opportunity to seize the city for the Bourbon cause during the War of the Spanish Succession.
From 22 to 27 November 1708, French and pro-Bourbon Spanish forces under Maximilian of Bavaria assaulted Brussels. The Allies had been forewarned and reinforced the garrison; Governor Colonel Pascale refused all demands for surrender, and the city's inhabitants did not support the attackers, turning the expected swift capture into a prolonged and bloody struggle.
Maximilian's assault failed entirely, and Brussels remained under Allied control. The episode showed that Allied forewarning and a determined local garrison could neutralise a surprise attack even when the main field army was engaged elsewhere, frustrating Bourbon efforts to recover the Spanish Netherlands.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Colonel Pascale (governor of Brussels).
Side B
1 belligerent
Maximilian of Bavaria (Elector of Bavaria).