French Invasion of the Dutch Republic

Timeline

1. 1672Rhine River · Western EuropeLouis XIV launched the war citing Dutch support for anti-French forces; the main French army under Turenne and other commanders crossed the Rhine into Dutch territory, and the war formally began.
2. 1672Heartland of the Dutch Republic · NetherlandsFrench forces advanced on several fronts, successively occupying Limburg, Utrecht and other provinces; the Dutch regular army, weakened by long-term demobilization and poor preparation, retreated steadily and much of the country was lost.
3. 1672Outskirts of Amsterdam · North HollandFrench forces reached the edge of the Dutch demographic and economic heartland but were halted by deliberate inundation defenses, failing to take Amsterdam; the invasion's momentum was checked within 1672.