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How did Turenneās march through the Vosges save Alsace in 1675?
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Henri de La Tour dāAuvergne, vicomte de Turenne
Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne, vicomte de Turenne, engraving by Robert Nanteuil, 1665; in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
In December 1674, despite the presence of 57,000 enemy troops who appeared to have secure control of Alsace, Turenne executed a brilliant strategic maneuver to reclaim the region.1
He marched his forces south along the French side of the Vosges mountains, effectively concealing his movements from the enemy. By reappearing at Belfort and launching a surprise, heavy attack on the flank of the main German army at Turckheim on January 5, 1675, he forced the opposing forces to recross the Rhine, thereby successfully saving Alsace.1