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By 1690, the Nine Years' War saw both France and the Grand Alliance primarily focusing their military efforts on the Spanish Netherlands and along the Rhine River.
Answer: True
Explanation: By 1690, the main military efforts of both France and the Grand Alliance in the Nine Years' War were indeed concentrated on the Spanish Netherlands and along the Rhine River.
Northern Italy was considered a crucial area for the Grand Alliance because it offered a direct route to attack Paris.
Answer: False
Explanation: Northern Italy was considered crucial for the Grand Alliance not as a direct route to Paris, but as a potential 'door...into France' to shift the balance of the war, given the stalemate in other theatres.
The Savoyard state included the County of Nice, the Duchy of Savoy, the Duchy of Aosta, and the Principality of Piedmont.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Savoyard state was geographically composed of the County of Nice, the Duchy of Savoy, the Duchy of Aosta, and the Principality of Piedmont.
Louis XIV of France viewed Savoy as an independent ally, not a dependency.
Answer: False
Explanation: Louis XIV of France explicitly viewed Savoy as a French dependency, a perception reinforced by French control over key fortresses in Piedmont.
At the beginning of 1690, Victor Amadeus II's army totaled 18,000 men.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the beginning of 1690, Victor Amadeus II's army was considerably smaller, totaling only 8,000 men.
Louis XIV demanded that Victor Amadeus II hand over the citadel of Turin and Verrua to Catinat.
Answer: True
Explanation: Among other demands, Louis XIV indeed required Victor Amadeus II to hand over the citadel of Turin and Verrua to General Catinat.
The French demands on Victor Amadeus II were seen as a move to strengthen Savoyard independence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The French demands on Victor Amadeus II were perceived as a direct attack on Savoyard independence, ultimately pushing him away from France.
Victor Amadeus II's non-negotiable term for joining the Grand Alliance was the reacquisition of Casale.
Answer: False
Explanation: Victor Amadeus II's non-negotiable term for joining the Grand Alliance was the reacquisition of Pinerolo, though he also demanded the razing of Casale as a minimum.
Victor Amadeus II officially declared war against France on June 4, 1690.
Answer: True
Explanation: Victor Amadeus II formally declared war against France on June 4, 1690, following a period of intense preparations and negotiations.
Pinerolo and Casale were two key fortresses that bolstered France's strategic control in Piedmont.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pinerolo and Casale were indeed key fortresses in Piedmont that significantly bolstered France's strategic control and reinforced its view of Savoy as a dependency.
The House of Savoy and the Duke of Mantua were in agreement over the claim to the Duchy of Montferrat.
Answer: False
Explanation: The House of Savoy and the Duke of Mantua were in perennial dispute over the family claim to the Duchy of Montferrat, not in agreement.
Louvois threatened Victor Amadeus II with severe punishment if he did not comply with French demands.
Answer: True
Explanation: Louvois explicitly threatened Victor Amadeus II with severe punishment, stating he would 'be punished in such a manner that he remembers it for the rest of his life,' if he failed to comply with French demands.
By 1690, where were the primary military efforts of both France and the Grand Alliance focused during the Nine Years' War?
Answer: The Spanish Netherlands and along the Rhine River.
Why was Northern Italy considered a crucial area for the Grand Alliance during the Nine Years' War?
Answer: It was seen as the one region where the Allies could 'open a door...into France.'
Which of the following was NOT a distinct area of the Savoyard state mentioned in the text?
Answer: The Duchy of Milan.
How did Louis XIV of France perceive the Duchy of Savoy?
Answer: As a French dependency.
What was Victor Amadeus II's military strength at the beginning of 1690, before he openly joined the war?
Answer: 8,000 men.
Which of the following was a demand made by Louis XIV on Victor Amadeus II to ensure Savoy remained within the French sphere of influence?
Answer: To hand over the citadel of Turin and Verrua to Catinat.
How did the French demands on Victor Amadeus II ultimately affect Savoyard independence?
Answer: They were perceived as a direct attack on Savoyard independence, pushing Amadeus II away from France.
What was Victor Amadeus II's non-negotiable term for joining the Grand Alliance?
Answer: The reacquisition of Pinerolo.
When did Victor Amadeus II officially declare war against France?
Answer: June 4, 1690.
What was the nature of the dispute between the House of Savoy and the Duke of Mantua?
Answer: A perennial dispute over the family claim to the Duchy of Montferrat.
What was Louvois' specific threat to Victor Amadeus II if he did not comply with French demands?
Answer: He would 'be punished in such a manner that he remembers it for the rest of his life.'
The Battle of Staffarda was the first major engagement of the Nine Years' War in the Italian theatre after Victor Amadeus II of Savoy joined the Grand Alliance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Battle of Staffarda, fought on August 18, 1690, was indeed the first major engagement in the Italian theatre of the Nine Years' War following Victor Amadeus II's accession to the Grand Alliance.
The Battle of Staffarda resulted in a decisive victory for the Allied forces of Savoy and Spain.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Staffarda concluded with a decisive French victory, not an Allied one, as French forces under Nicolas Catinat defeated the combined Savoyard and Spanish army.
Nicolas Catinat commanded the Allied forces during the Battle of Staffarda.
Answer: False
Explanation: Nicolas Catinat commanded the French forces at the Battle of Staffarda, while the Allied forces were led by Victor Amadeus II of Savoy and Prince Eugène of Savoy.
The French force at Staffarda, led by Nicolas Catinat, was approximately 12,000 men strong.
Answer: True
Explanation: The French force under Nicolas Catinat at Staffarda indeed comprised approximately 12,000 men.
The Allied army at Staffarda lost all 12 of its cannon during the battle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Allied army at Staffarda lost 11 of its 12 cannon, not all of them, during the battle.
Before the Battle of Staffarda, Victor Amadeus II received 5,000 Spanish reinforcements from Milan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Before the Battle of Staffarda, Victor Amadeus II received 10,000 Spanish reinforcements from Milan, not 5,000. He was promised an additional 5,000 Imperial troops.
Victor Amadeus II decided to engage the French at Staffarda against the advice of Prince Eugene.
Answer: True
Explanation: Victor Amadeus II, driven by a desire to halt French destruction, chose to engage the French at Staffarda despite Prince Eugene's cautionary advice.
Victor Amadeus II's initial tactical objective at Staffarda was to defend his camp at Villafranca.
Answer: False
Explanation: Victor Amadeus II's initial tactical objective at Staffarda was to attack and surround Catinat's forces, not to defend his camp at Villafranca.
The marshes and hedges on the Staffarda battlefield facilitated rapid troop movements for both armies.
Answer: False
Explanation: The marshes and hedges on the Staffarda battlefield significantly impeded, rather than facilitated, rapid troop movements for both armies.
Prince Eugene of Savoy's command of the cavalry was crucial in saving the Allied army from complete disaster at Staffarda.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prince Eugene of Savoy's skillful command of the Savoyard cavalry during the retreat was indeed crucial in preventing the complete collapse of the Allied army at Staffarda.
Prince Eugene's cavalry was noted for its humane treatment of French prisoners, even after the battle.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prince Eugene's cavalry was noted for a brutal incident in the aftermath of the battle, reportedly castrating 200 French prisoners before killing them, rather than humane treatment.
The presence of marshes and hedges on the Staffarda battlefield made troop movement easier and faster.
Answer: False
Explanation: The marshes and hedges on the Staffarda battlefield significantly impeded troop movement, making it more difficult and slower, rather than easier and faster.
When and where did the Battle of Staffarda, a significant engagement of the Nine Years' War, take place?
Answer: August 18, 1690, in Staffarda, Piedmont, Northern Italy
What was the primary outcome of the Battle of Staffarda?
Answer: A decisive French victory, led by Nicolas Catinat.
Which belligerents were involved in the Battle of Staffarda?
Answer: Kingdom of France against the Duchy of Savoy and Spain.
Who were the primary commanders for the Allied forces during the Battle of Staffarda?
Answer: Victor Amadeus II of Savoy and Prince Eugène of Savoy.
What was the approximate troop strength of the combined Savoyard and Spanish army at Staffarda?
Answer: Approximately 18,000 men with 12 guns.
What were the casualties and losses for the Allied army at the Battle of Staffarda?
Answer: 2,800 killed or wounded, 1,200 captured, and 11 of 12 cannon lost.
Why was the Battle of Staffarda considered significant in the Italian theatre of the Nine Years' War?
Answer: It was the first major battle in Italy after Victor Amadeus II joined the Grand Alliance against France.
What reinforcements did Victor Amadeus II receive or anticipate before the Battle of Staffarda?
Answer: 10,000 Spanish reinforcements and 5,000 Imperial troops.
What prompted Victor Amadeus II to engage the French at Staffarda, despite Prince Eugene's advice?
Answer: He believed the French were weakened and was anxious to halt the destruction of his lands.
What was Victor Amadeus II's initial tactical objective before the engagement at Staffarda?
Answer: To attack and surround Catinat's forces.
What were the key geographical features of the Staffarda battlefield that influenced the engagement?
Answer: Marshes and hedges, impeding troop movement but providing cover.
What crucial role did Prince Eugene of Savoy play during the Allied retreat at Staffarda?
Answer: He commanded the Savoyard cavalry and saved the Allied army from complete disaster.
What notable, albeit brutal, action was attributed to Prince Eugene's cavalry during the aftermath of the battle?
Answer: They reportedly castrated 200 French prisoners before killing them.
The immediate strategic consequence of the French victory at Staffarda was the capture of Turin.
Answer: False
Explanation: The immediate strategic consequence of the French victory at Staffarda was the occupation of most of Piedmont, but Catinat was unable to capture Turin due to sickness, lack of men, and supply problems.
The Vaudois community fought against Victor Amadeus II during the Nine Years' War.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Vaudois community, despite past persecutions, reconciled with Victor Amadeus II and fought alongside him to defend their valleys against the French.
Louis XIV ordered Catinat to treat the local peasants of Savoy and Piedmont with leniency.
Answer: False
Explanation: Louis XIV issued harsh orders to Catinat, instructing him to burn and levy taxes on large areas of Savoy and Piedmont, and to hang any armed peasants.
The Marquis de Feuquieres suffered a major setback at Luserna, losing approximately half of his 1,200 troops.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Marquis de Feuquieres indeed suffered a significant setback at Luserna, losing approximately 600 of his 1,200 troops and being forced to abandon the town.
After the Marquis de Saint-Ruth's campaign, the fortress of Montmélián was the only stronghold in the Duchy of Savoy to remain under ducal control.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Marquis de Saint-Ruth's successful campaign in the Duchy of Savoy, the formidable fortress of Montmélián was the sole stronghold that remained under ducal control.
The loss of the Duchy of Savoy was considered more strategically important than the loss of Piedmont for the Grand Alliance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The loss of the Duchy of Savoy was considered a major setback for the Grand Alliance, but it was less strategically important than Piedmont.
Following the Battle of Staffarda, Nicolas Catinat captured the towns of Saluzzo, Savigliano, and Fossano.
Answer: True
Explanation: After his victory at Staffarda, Nicolas Catinat's forces successfully captured the Piedmontese towns of Saluzzo, Savigliano, and Fossano.
Susa, a vital fortress, capitulated to French forces in November after trenches were opened.
Answer: True
Explanation: The vital fortress of Susa capitulated to French forces on November 11, after French trenches were opened, confirming its capture.
The Vaudois community held a pro-French sentiment due to past religious support from Louis XIV.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Vaudois community held a strong anti-French sentiment due to past religious persecution from Louis XIV, not pro-French sentiment.
What was the immediate strategic consequence of the French victory at Staffarda?
Answer: General Catinat was able to overrun and occupy most of Piedmont.
How did the Vaudois community participate in the conflict against France?
Answer: They reconciled with their Duke and defended their valleys against the French.
What harsh orders did Louis XIV issue to Catinat regarding the treatment of Savoy and Piedmont?
Answer: To burn and levy taxes on large areas, hanging armed peasants.
What significant setback did the Marquis de Feuquieres' French troops encounter at Luserna?
Answer: They lost approximately 600 men and were forced to abandon the town.
What transpired in the Duchy of Savoy while Catinat's army was operating on the Piedmontese plain?
Answer: The Marquis de Saint-Ruth captured most of the exposed Duchy of Savoy.
Why was the loss of the Duchy of Savoy considered a major blow to the Grand Alliance?
Answer: It significantly reduced the likelihood of a successful invasion of France from that region.
Which towns did Nicolas Catinat capture following his victory at the Battle of Staffarda?
Answer: Saluzzo, Savigliano, and Fossano.
How did Catinat's forces deal with towns that resisted French demands for supplies and taxes?
Answer: They subjected them to looting as a punitive measure.
What was the strategic importance of Susa after Catinat's advance?
Answer: It controlled communications with Briançon in the Dauphiné region.
What was the general sentiment of the Vaudois community towards the French during the Nine Years' War?
Answer: Strongly anti-French, due to past religious persecution.
Nicolas Catinat was ultimately prevented from capturing Turin due to strong resistance from the city's garrison.
Answer: False
Explanation: Nicolas Catinat was prevented from capturing Turin primarily due to sickness within his army, a lack of sufficient men, and significant supply problems, rather than strong resistance from the city's garrison.
The Imperial troops achieved significant success in Piedmont due to strong support from the Spanish forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Imperial troops achieved little success in Piedmont, largely due to the Spanish forces' reluctance to support Victor Amadeus II, their long-time rival.
After taking Susa, the French were able to achieve their ambitious strategic goals of capturing Turin and linking up with Casale.
Answer: False
Explanation: After taking Susa, the French had to scale back their ambitious strategic goals due to severe supply and communication problems, manning shortages, and widespread sickness, preventing them from capturing Turin or linking with Casale.
The French forces established their winter quarters in Piedmont, living off the land after their campaign.
Answer: False
Explanation: The French forces could not sustain themselves from the devastated Piedmont and instead established their winter quarters in Savoy, the Dauphiné, and Provence.
The Duke of Mantua, a pro-French ruler, expressed satisfaction at the Imperial troops basing themselves in Montferrat.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Duke of Mantua, a pro-French ruler, was greatly displeased and expressed consternation at the Imperial troops establishing their base in Montferrat.
Piedmont was so devastated after Catinat's campaign that French forces could not sustain themselves from its resources.
Answer: True
Explanation: Piedmont was indeed so devastated by Catinat's campaign that French forces were unable to sustain themselves from its resources, necessitating winter quarters elsewhere.
Which of the following was NOT a factor preventing Nicolas Catinat from capturing Turin after his victory at Staffarda?
Answer: A direct order from Louis XIV to halt his advance.
Why did the Imperial troops, upon their eventual arrival in Piedmont, achieve little success?
Answer: The Spanish forces were reluctant to support Victor Amadeus II, their long-time rival.
Why did the French have to scale back their ambitious strategic goals after taking Susa?
Answer: Severe supply and communication problems, manning shortages, and widespread sickness.
Where did the French forces establish their winter quarters after the campaign in Piedmont?
Answer: In Savoy, the Dauphiné, and Provence.