The aggressive campaign of Louis XIV against the Netherlands, since 1672, had provoked a hostile reaction of other European states like Austria (who controlled the Holy Roman Empire) and Brandenburg.

In 1674 Marshal Turenne, French commander in that sector, failed to prevent the invasion of Alsace by a part of the Imperial Army.

Turenne and his 30,000 troops[9] found the Imperial Army well positioned with 30,000 to 50,000 men[3] under the command of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, on the afternoon of 5 January 1675.

Frederick William attempted to retake the town, but he was defeated by heavy fire from French guns and an infantry charge.

The speed of the attack (which was not preceded by artillery fire) and the numerical superiority at this spot disrupted and demoralized the defenders, putting them to flight after suffering 3,400 casualties.