| Assault on Brussels | |||||||
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| Part of the War of the Spanish Succession | |||||||
&sq=Facebook&lang=en&file=File:Aftocht_van_de_keurvorst_van_Beieren_en_de_Fransen,_1708_Pralende_Beyersen_en_Franse_aftogt_van_Brussel_ende_Schelde_(titel_op_object)_Palmhof_der_Bondgenooten_%27t_Lusthof_van_Momus_(serietitel),_RP-P-OB-83.071.jpg) Caricature of the retreat of the Elector of Bavaria and the Duke of Vendôme, 1708. The Elector is depicted sitting on a chariot pulled by toads. Verses are included on the print in both Dutch and Latin. | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Pro-Habsburg Spain Dutch Republic Holy Roman Empire Great Britain |
 France Bavaria Pro Bourbon Spain | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 6,000 | 15,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 413 killed or wounded | 2,500 killed or wounded | ||||||
The assault on Brussels or siege of Brussels occurred during the War of the Spanish Succession, from 22 to 27 November 1708 involving French and pro-Bourbon Spanish troops under Maximilian of Bavaria against the garrison and citizens of the city of Brussels.
While the army of the Grand Alliance was occupied with the Siege of Lille, the Elector of Bavaria, Maximilian, made an attempt to capture Brussels. He believed the city, with its weak defenses and small garrison, would be an easy target. Despite his confidence the Allies were forewarned of the plan and had already reinforced Brussels' garrison.
Maximilian, expecting a swift victory, faced strong resistance from Colonel Pascale, the governor of Brussels, and his well-prepared garrison. Despite his demands for surrender, Pascale defiantly refused. Maximilian's plan quickly unraveled, and what he thought would be a quick assault turned into a protracted and bloody struggle. The inhabitants of Brussels did not rally to Maximilian's cause as he had hoped and his attempt to take Brussels by force failed.