In 1700 died Charles II of Hapsburg, King of Spain, childless. The Spaniards chose Philip of Anjou as successor, a Frenchman, what led to the reoccurrence of the Franco-Habsburg power struggle in Europe . Since Emperor Charles V had united Spain (and its American possessions) and the Holy Roman Empire in the hands of the Habsburgs and thus encircled France. By the new King Philip V of France broke the embrace. France took advantage of this, however, immediately to strengthen his own position of power in Europe and in America, leading to the formation of new alliances in Europe and eventually to a European war. The Dukes of Savoy, based in Turin, were aware that their domains in Piedmont and Savoy would be a theatre of war. In addition, they had the desire for a long time to obtain the kingship and to extend their Italian dominion. For these reasons, they made the risky decision to stand up for such compensation on the side of the Habsburgs and their other allies in the war. With their defeat they would had lost their power and their wealth. The French and Spanish on the other hand urged the Piedmontese to join in the war against Austria. The Dukes of Savoy, based in Turin, were aware that their domains in Piedmont and Savoy would be a theatre of war. In addition, they had the desire for a long time to obtain the kingship and to extend their Italian dominion. For these reasons, they made the risky decision to stand up for such compensation on the side of the Habsburgs and their other allies in the war. With their defeat they would had lost their power and their wealth. The French and Spanish on the other hand urged the Piedmontese to join in the war against Austria. As a result they would have won in addition to aanother ally also a secure connexion to the Duchy of Milan, which belonged at the time to Spain. But the House of Savoy was tired of the French tutelage for a long time and could not have expected anything in the event of a victory of France and Spain, especially not a French retreat from some Piedmontese fortresses. To Piedmontese decision for the Habsburgs, the French and the Spanish in 1703 responded with an attack that has been made from both sides, from France, as well as the Spanish Duchy of Milan and Piedmont were forced to a war on two fronts. By and by the French and Spanish troops captured Vendôme, Tesse and La Feuillade cities Susa, Vercelli, Ivrea, Bard, Aosta, Nice and others. 1704 prevented the fortress Verrua the French for six months to a advance further. 1706 Duke Victor Amadeus II was forced to withdraw to the fortress of Turin, built 140 years ago by Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy,.

Already in August 1705 wanted to attack the Spanish and French Turin,. But the Duke La Feuillade believed his forces still too weak and refrained. This gave Turin, more time for developing its fortifications. On 14 May 1706 began the siege of the city. The Spanish and French used 68 infantry battalions, 80 Kavallerieeskadronen, 128 large-caliber guns and 50 mortars. They provided about 44,000 soldiers.

The then prime fortress of Turin, had food and supplies for several months. In the fort were 17 Piedmontese and six Austrian infantry battalions with 10,500 soldiers, 1,500 cavalry soldiers as well as 30 cannons and 24 mortars. In addition, the 40,000 inhabitants also participated in in military operations of the city.

Throughout the summer, the two sides shelled each other with artillery. Day and night tests were repulsed,to take the bastions of the fortress. Contrary to the advice of the French military engineer Vauban had La Feuillade created numerous trenches, where the besiegers suffered heavy losses by underground mine workings of Piedmont. In a French attempt to penetrate one of these subterranean passages, to take the fort in this way, Duke Victor Amadeus II left Turin on 17 August 1706 to his cousin, Prince Eugene of Savoy accompany together with his Austrian reinforcements to the city siege. He defended all French prosecution attempts successfully.Pietro Micca a 29-year-old miner who sacrificed himself, still remains the most famous hero of the city of Turin. He blew up the aisle and took his death deliberately accepted. Duke Victor Amadeus II left Turin on 17 August 1706 to his cousin, Prince Eugene of Savoy accompany together with his Austrian reinforcements to the city siege. He defended all French prosecution attempts successfully. On 2 September they were planning from suburban Superga hill the battle for the liberation of Turin. Despite the great risk they ventured on 6 September a northwestern envelopment of the city, and then brought their troops between the Dora Riparia and Stura in position. The following day attacked the Austrian and Piedmontese groups the French and Spanish remaining in their trenches,. In addition, ten battalions stormed out of the fortress and took part in the bloody fighting. All attempts of French and Spanish counter-attack failed. They retreated in the early afternoon back to Pinerolo and France.