The British government, which had previously been opposed to any direct involvement on the continent, takes the opportunity of the 1758–59 winter break in fighting to send nine thousand British troops to reinforce Ferdinand.

The French crown also sends a reinforcing army, under Contades, hoping this will help to secure a decisive victory, swiftly concluding the costly war, and forcing the Allies to accept the peace terms France is seeking.

In an attempt to defeat the French before their reinforcements arrive, Ferdinand has decided to launch a fresh counter-offensive, and had quit his winter quarters early.

In April, however, Victor-François, Duke de Broglie and the French had withstood Ferdinand's attack at the Battle of Bergen, and de Broglie had been promoted to Marshal of France.

Ferdinand had been forced to retreat northwards in the face of the now reinforced French army.

Contades, senior of the two French marshals, had resumed the advance, occupying a number of towns and cities including the strategic fortress at Minden, which had fallen to the French on July 10.

Ferdinand is criticized for his failure to check the French offensive.

His celebrated brother-in-law, Frederick the Great, is reported as having suggested that, since his loss at Bergen, Ferdinand had come to believe the French to be invincible.

Irrespective of any presumed crisis of confidence, however, Ferdinand does ultimately decide to confront the French, near Minden.

Contades has taken up a strong defensive position along the Weser around Minden, where he has paused to regroup before he continues his advance.

He initially resists the opportunity to abandon this strong position to attack Ferdinand.

Ferdinand instead formulates a plan that involves splitting his force into several groups to threaten Contades' lines of supply.

Perceiving Ferdinand's forces to be over-extended, Contades thinks he sees a chance for the desired decisive victory.

He orders his men to abandon their defensive encampments and advance into positions on the plain west of Minden during the night of July and early morning of August 1.