Thirty Years' War

French victory thanks to a surprise attack and excellent coordination between infantry and cavalry.

French tactical victory in a strategic region of Alsace, strengthening France's presence in the war and disrupting Imperial lines.

Despite the significant commitment of French forces allied with the Protestants, the battle ends in a major defeat that shifts the balance in the Thirty Years' War, with the loss of support from several German princes.

From 18 August to 17 December 1638, Bernard of Saxe-Weimar and the Vicomte de Turenne besieged Breisach; the Imperial garrison under Johann Heinrich von Reinach capitulated, giving the French a bridgehead on the Rhine.

Naval battle on 22 August 1638 in the Basque port of Getaria, the first major Franco-Spanish Atlantic engagement of the Thirty Years' War. Sourdis's squadron (about 21 ships and 7 to 8 fireships) destroyed Lope de Hoces's squadron by gunfire and fireships, but the neighbouring land operation at Fuenterrabía failed.

Double engagement in February-March 1638 at Rheinfelden (Rhine): Bernard of Saxe-Weimar, leading French and Protestant troops, regained the initiative after an initial setback crossing the Rhine and defeated Johann von Werth on 2 March, taking 3,000 prisoners and strengthening allied control of the river.

After an intense and prolonged siege, French troops succeed in taking the Imperial fortress of Thionville, opening a strategic route into Lorraine.

The Battle of Rocroi marks a decisive victory of French troops over the formidable Spanish army, hitherto reputed invincible. Condé, still young, demonstrates remarkable strategic talent. The French army uses an innovative combination of infantry and cavalry to break the famous Spanish tercios. The victory galvanizes French morale and is a turning point in military supremacy in Europe.

The second Battle of Nördlingen sees victory for French forces under the command of the Prince of Condé against Imperial troops, consolidating the French presence in Germany and weakening the Empire.

The Battle of Lens is a decisive confrontation between the French royal army and Imperial forces. Thanks to Condé's tactical superiority, notably through a bold cavalry charge, the French win a major strategic victory that precipitates the end of the conflict. The battle takes place in a context where the war is exhausting, and both sides seek a favorable conclusion.

This battle concludes the major land operations of the Thirty Years' War. French and allied forces win a decisive victory that precipitates the end of the conflict in Europe.