The Battle of Oudenarde, 11^th July 1708

Marlborough inspecting French prisoners after the battle

Introduction.

It is a very sad fact that many anniversaries of famous battles pass almost unnoticed by the general public. This could be due to how history is now taught in schools, at least in England, which seem to concentrate more on the twentieth century to the detriment of all else, in particular by not explaining how or why various circumstances that have helped to shape modern society came about by what may have occurred several hundred years before. Just knowing that during the Great War of 1914-1918 Germany, England, France, Russia, Austria and America, together with many other minor nations, fought each other because imperial greed had set them on the road to mass destruction is not enough. Just how these countries came into being, plus their relationship with neighbouring states is of the utmost importance in determining what made them choose peace or war. The animosity that existed between states, as well as nationalistic expectations, coupled at times with religious intolerance are all factors that need to be taken into consideration when trying to construct a valid historical overview. Therefore to allow old wars and battles, like old soldiers, to simply fade away will not only diminish our knowledge of the past, but will also, sadly, diminish us all.

Campaign map - Battle of Oudenarde