Battle of Cádiz (1702)
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The Battle of Cádiz was an attempt by English and Dutch forces to seize the southern Spanish port of Cádiz in 1702 during the War of the Spanish Succession. The Andalusian port of Cádiz served as the centre of Spanish trade with its American colonies. As such, the port's capture would not only help to sever Spain's links with her empire in the Americas, but it would also provide the Allies with a strategically important base from which the English and Dutch navies could control the western Mediterranean Sea.
Battle of Cádiz | |||||||
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Part of the War of the Spanish Succession | |||||||
Contemporary map of the Battle of Cádiz 1702. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
Spain |
England Dutch Republic | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Marquis of Villadarias |
George Rooke Duke of Ormonde | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Garrison: 300 regulars and 150 horsemen Relief: 500-600 cavalry A few thousand soldiers[2] |
50 ships: 14,000 men[4] |
The military build-up was accompanied by Allied diplomatic measures in Portugal aimed at enticing King Peter II to join the Grand Alliance. The Allies also intended to garner support in Spain for an insurrection in the name of the Austrian pretender to the Spanish throne, the Archduke Charles. The battle was the first of the war in the Iberian Peninsula, but due to interservice rivalry, ill discipline, poor co-operation, and a skilful defence from the Marquis of Villadarias, Admiral George Rooke was unable to complete his objective and, after a month, he set sail for home.