Battle of Breisach
Thirty Years' War · Breisach am Rhein, Baden-Württemberg (Germany)
Summary
From 18 August to 17 December 1638, Bernard of Saxe-Weimar and the Vicomte de Turenne besieged Breisach; the Imperial garrison under Johann Heinrich von Reinach capitulated, giving the French a bridgehead on the Rhine.
Historical context
This victory marks a turning point in the Thirty Years' War with French progress toward the east.
Tactics
The four-month siege combined mining works, bombardment, and river blockade; Franco-Weimar infantry and artillery wore down the fortress before the surrender of 17 December 1638.
Consequences
Strategic French control of the Rhine, weakening of the Habsburgs.
Location
Place : Breisach am Rhein, Baden-Württemberg (Germany)
Coordinates : 48.006°N, 7.582°E