The Battle of Ramillies was a significant military engagement in the War of the Spanish Succession, taking place in the Spanish Netherlands. John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, led an Allied army consisting of British, Dutch, and other European forces to confront the French troops under the command of Marshal François de Neufville, duc de Villeroy. The battle commenced on May 23, 1706, in a region that was strategically crucial for both sides, as control over the area would dictate supply routes and military positioning for future campaigns.

Duke Marlborough's forces, approximately 60,000 strong, launched a surprise attack which exploited weaknesses in the French lines. Utilizing an effective combination of infantry formations and combined arms tactics, Marlborough's troops managed to turn the tide against the larger French force, which numbered around 50,000. Noteworthy was the successful use of heavy artillery that broke the French lines early in the engagement. The Allies' tactical prowess and Villeroy's inability to effectively reposition his troops resulted in a rout of French soldiers, marking a turning point in the war.

The victory at Ramillies was not only a triumph of military strategy but also boosted the morale of the Allied forces. The aftermath of the battle saw the Allies capturing key territories, ultimately shifting the balance of power in the region. The French suffered serious losses, with thousands killed or taken prisoner, while the Allies celebrated the victory as a pivotal moment in their campaign against French hegemony in Europe. Ramillies cemented Marlborough's reputation as one of the premier military commanders of his time and illustrated the effectiveness of the Allied coalition against France.