Augustus II died on 1 February 1733. Throughout the spring and summer of 1733, France built up its forces along its northern and eastern frontiers, while the emperor massed troops on the Commonwealth's borders, reducing garrisons in the Duchy of Milan for the purpose. While the aging Prince Eugene of Savoy had recommended a more warlike posture to the emperor against potential French actions in the Rhine valley and northern Italy, only minimal steps were taken to improve imperial defenses on the Rhine.
auguSTuS iI DIEd oN 1 FeBruARy 1733 ThrOughout the spRINg And suMmer of 1733 France bUilt up Its fOrceS Along its nortHern anD eaStERN fRoNTieRs WhilE THE empeRor mASSEd trOoPs ON The cOmmoNweaLth's bordeRs rEduCInG garRisons In tHE duchy of milAN for the PUrpOSe WHiLE the AGing pRiNce eugene of sAvOy HAd RecOmmendEd A more warlike pOSture to ThE emperor agaInsT pOtential fRench ACtioNs in the rHINE valley ANd NORthern itALy ONLy minimal STePs weRe tAKeN to impRoVe ImPERiAL defenses on the Rhine