The Military Campaign of 1703 in the Netherlands according to the Correspondence and Memoirs of Its Participants

The article studies the military campaign of 1703 in Netherlands War Spanish Succession 1701– 1714. presented campaign, still undervalued by historiography, is most typical European art early 18th century. shows activities Anglo-Dutch and French command planning organizing operations. Based on correspondence Louis XIV, Duke Marlborough, Marshals Villeroy Bouffler, traces course fighting Flanders Brabant summer autumn 1703. At same time, war considered as a combination careful maneuvering rapid marches, false demonstrations decisive strikes, methodical sieges fortresses unexpected breakthroughs fortified lines. As result, little-known stage 1701–1714 studied detail. On example above-mentioned reveals such features Western affairs limited operational goals plans, positional nature strategy, rejection forms struggle, commitment to siege warfare maneuver tactics, increasing role engineering fortification rear services, communications logistics.