The Piedmontese Civil War, 1639 to 1642, was a succession struggle for control of the Savoyard state. Although Savoy was not directly involved in the 1635 to 1659 Franco-Spanish War, its strategic importance prompted the intervention of Spain and France.
Following the death of Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy in October 1637, his wife Christine of France ruled on behalf of heir young son, Francis Hyacinth. When he, too, died in 1638, she became guardian to her second son, Charles Emmanuel II. In 1639, her regime was challenged by Prince Maurice of Savoy and Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano.