Outbreak of the Nine Years' War

Timeline

1. 1688Cologne · RhinelandAfter the death of the Elector of Cologne, Louis XIV insisted that the pro-French Cardinal Fürstenberg succeed him, while Pope Innocent XI and the emperor supported Joseph Clement of Bavaria. France simultaneously challenged the Neuburg line of electors over the Palatinate succession, forming a pretext for war.
2. 1688Versailles · FranceLouis XIV issued the Memoir of Reasons at Versailles, demanding permanent confirmation of the reunions, recognition of Fürstenberg's position in Cologne, and satisfaction of Palatinate claims. The main army crossed the Rhine the next day before the ultimatum had reached the courts, turning limited deterrence into a fait accompli of war.
3. 1688Philippsburg · RhinelandNominally commanded by the Dauphin Louis, Duras and Vauban led the siege of Philippsburg, belonging to the Elector of Trier, capturing it on 30 October. Mannheim, Frankenthal, Worms, Oppenheim and others soon surrendered or abandoned resistance. Northern German princes reached an agreement to send troops at Magdeburg, and the War of the League of Augsburg became general.