During the Nine Years' War, France was embroiled in a conflict against a coalition consisting of England, the Dutch Republic, and several German states, among others. The objective was to curb French expansion under King Louis XIV. Within this context, the Italian campaign was particularly crucial, as both France and the Duchy of Savoy (the ruling entity of Piedmont) sought control over the territory that bordered their nations. The French army, under the leadership of General Louis de Callières, had been moving into Italy and looking to assert dominance over the Piedmontese forces.

The battle at Carignano involved a surprise attack where the French leveraged their tactical advantage. The Piedmontese, while initially confident due to their well-fortified positions, found themselves outmaneuvered and subjected to effective French artillery and cavalry charges. The result was a decisive French victory, leading to significant losses for the Piedmontese and marking a pivotal moment in French military history in Italy.

In the wake of the battle, the Piedmontese faced a demoralizing setback that would hinder their military operations for some time. The French, buoyed by this victory, managed to maintain and strengthen their influence in Northern Italy, continuing their efforts to secure hegemony in the region. The conflict highlighted the complexities of European power dynamics during the late 17th century and underscored the importance of military preparedness and strategy in warfare.