These tensions of who was to succeed Charles II escalated into a full-scale war between Spain loyal to Philip of Anjou backed by France and its allies.

The War of the Spanish Succession had commenced in the Netherlands in 1702 with the Allied siege and capture of Kaiserswerth, and with the unsuccessful assault of the French army on Nijmegen.

Marlborough took command of the combined Anglo-Dutch army on 1 July and at the head of 60,000 men went on the offensive by moving into the Spanish Netherlands.

[6] Although it lasted for 12 days, the siege of Venlo was a bloody event due to the large usage of artillery.

He stated that the city of Venlo was the key to Guelders and further fortresses located near the Rhine which were important factors to French defence and Military success.

[1] After victory in Venlo, the Grand Alliance saw even more success in which the Allied forces took the cities of Stevensweert, Roermond and Liège among the Meuse.