The Battle of Ramillies was a major engagement of the War of the
Spanish Succession fought on 23 May 1706. The encounter was a
resounding success for the allied forces of England, the Dutch
Republic, and Denmark; but the battle had followed a year of
indecisive campaigning in 1705 where Allied over-confidence
after their success at the Battle of Blenheim had resulted in an
abortive campaign along the Moselle, forcing the Duke of
Marlborough to abandon his plans for a push into France. Yet
despite the Allies' inability to achieve a decisive victory,
Louis XIV was eager for peace; but he wanted it on reasonable
terms. Therefore, rather than standing on the defensive, French
armies on all fronts swung over to the offensive. The year 1706
had begun well for Louis XIV's generals, who had gained early
success in Italy and in Alsace, where Marshal Villars had forced
the Margrave of Baden to retreat across the Rhine. Louis now
pressed Marshal Villeroi to seek out Marlborough and bring the
Allies to battle in the Span