Marlborough, << MAHRL buh ruh or MAWL buh ruh >> Duke of (1650-1722), was one of England’s greatest generals. He won a series of brilliant victories at Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenaarde, and Malplaquet in his campaigns in the War of the Spanish Succession (see Blenheim, Battle of ; Succession wars (The War of the Spanish Succession) ).
Marlborough’s character and motives have been criticized, but his military genius has never been questioned. He was also a successful diplomat.
Marlborough deserted King James II to support William of Orange when English leaders invited William to invade England in 1688 (see James II [of England] ; William III ). William made him Earl of Marlborough and gave him commands in the army. Marlborough’s position became stronger when William died and Princess Anne came to the throne as Queen Anne (see Anne ). Marlborough’s wife, Sarah Jennings, was the queen’s closest friend. Anne made Marlborough commander of all the armed forces at home and in Europe. In the War of the Spanish Succession, Marlborough, then a duke, won a series of victories.
At the peak of his success, Marlborough lost his influence at home. His political enemies had turned the queen against him and his wife. He was removed from his command, and he retired from public life. His final downfall was not due to lack of ability. It was the fault of his wife, who was domineering and ill tempered. England generously rewarded him for his services. He received an estate in Oxfordshire, and Blenheim Palace was built for him there in 1705.
Marlborough was born in Devonshire. His given name was John Churchill. He was an ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill, who wrote a biography of him. Marlborough served in the war against the Netherlands, under the French Marshal Turenne, the greatest military leader of that day.
