# Franco-Dutch War begins (1672)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1672-franco-dutch-war-begins
Location: Netherlands
Categories: battle

France invaded the Dutch Republic in a major European war. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XIV (King of France). Franco-Dutch War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Franco-Dutch War begins mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XIV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xiv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Franco-Dutch War begins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Franco-Dutch+War+begins&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Franco-Dutch War begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Franco-Dutch+War+begins)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)