History does not necessarily progress slowly. It happens that one day can make a difference. Among such days was the Battle of Blenheim on August 13, 1704.
Louis XIV the king of France was the most powerful man in Europe at the time. He was so mighty that people referred to him as the Sun King. His army was enormous and he enjoyed a great partnership with Spain. They both were on the verge of taking most of Europe. Without someone to halt them the balance of power would fade away.
However, there was one man who made a decision: John Churchill.
He was aware of the fact that the French army was about to conquer Austria. Churchill acted hurriedly instead of waiting. He led his army through Europe that was approximately 250 miles. The procession was rapid and silent, and the French never dreamed that he was approaching.
As the fight commenced, Frenchmen applied the old technique, which was to halt, aim and shoot.
The soldiers of Churchill did just the contrary. They charged at a good pace with swords and before the French could respond, they struck them. Churchill went to the extent of moving his forces through a muddy swamp that the French imagined that no army could pass.
This surprise passing the French lines, caused their army to fall.
This triumph prevented the conquest of Europe by France. It was also used to save the future of the British Empire and then the establishment of the United States.
The success of Churchill was such that he received the great Blenheim Palace. It would later become the birthplace of another legendary leader, Winston Churchill, who would also lead to the salvaging of Europe many years later.