Eugene, Prince

Prince (1663-1736), an Austrian soldier. He was a native of Paris. He applied to Louis XIV for employment as an officer, but was repulsed on account of personal opposition from a high source. In indignation he turned to the emperor of Austria with greater success. He rose to be the commander-in-chief of the Austrian forces. He ranks with the greatest of modern generals, and is, without doubt, the ablest soldier in Austrian history. In 1697, and again in 1716, he prevented the Turks from invading Austria and possibly taking possession of Central Europe. His assault and capture of Belgrade, a Turkish stronghold on the Danube, is one of the notable sieges in history. In the meantime, during the wars between Austria and France, he had ample revenge for the slight put upon him by his native country. In conjunction with the English Duke of Marlborough he won the great battles of Blenheim, 1704; Oudenarde, 1708, and Malplaquet, 1709.