The Battle of Rocroi occurred in May 1643 and is often viewed as a crucial moment in the Thirty Years' War, a protracted conflict that engulfed much of Europe. By this time, France had emerged as a key player, opposing Spanish hegemony in the region. Under the command of the young duc d'Enghien, later known as the Prince de Condé, the French forces faced an experienced Spanish army. The battle unfolded near Rocroi, a small town that served as a strategic point of military and logistical importance.

The engagement began with the Spanish forces, commanded by Francisco de Melo, confident in their abilities and prior successes. The French army, although younger and less experienced, adopted innovative military tactics, employing a combination of infantry formations and cavalry charges that outflanked their opponents. This decisive action caught the Spanish off-guard, leading to a chaotic retreat and eventual defeat. The outcome was not just a military triumph but enhanced the reputation of duc d'Enghien, who displayed exceptional leadership and strategic prowess during the conflict.

Rocroi's aftermath was significant, as it signaled the beginning of the decline of Spanish influence and military strength, which had been dominant throughout much of the previous century. France, buoyed by this victory, continued to evolve into a formidable European power, setting the stage for future engagements in the ongoing Thirty Years' War and beyond. The victory at Rocroi ultimately inflamed national pride in France and shifted the balance of power in Europe, leading to more conflicts that helped define the continent's political landscape in the years to come.