Setge (Sitio) de Tortosa 1708 (Baix Ebre)

(Cat) The so-called Siege of Tortosa of 1708 was an important episode in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714), a European conflict in which there was a dispute over who should occupy the throne of Spain after the death without issue of Charles II of Spain. In this conflict, two sides faced each other: The supporters of Philip V of Spain (Bourbons, with the support of France). The supporters of Archduke Charles of Austria (with the support of England, Holland and the Holy Roman Empire). Catalonia, including Tortosa, was largely aligned with the Austrian side. The Bourbon troops surrounded the city and began a systematic siege with artillery. The defense resisted for weeks, but military pressure and lack of resources ended up weakening the resistance. Finally, Tortosa capitulated on July 10, 1708. The surrender was made under negotiated terms, which avoided a total sacking of the city, a relatively common occurrence in this type of conflict. (Cast) The so-called sitio de Tortosa of 1708 was an important episode within the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714), a European conflict in which it was contested who should occupy the throne of Spain after the death without issue of Carlos II of Spain. In this conflict, two sides faced each other: The supporters of Felipe V of Spain (Bourbons, supported by France). The supporters of Archduke Carlos de Austria (supported by England, Holland and the Holy Empire). Catalonia, including Tortosa, was largely aligned with the Austracist side. The Bourbon troops surrounded the city and began a systematic siege with artillery. The defense resisted for weeks, but the military pressure and the lack of resources ended up weakening the resistance. Finally, Tortosa capitulated on July 10, 1708. The surrender was made under negotiated conditions, which avoided a total sacking of the city, something relatively common in this type of conflict.