II.

The Valois-Habsburg Wars

In 1515 Francis commanded a spectacular victory over the Swiss at Marignano, which enabled him to seize the Italian duchy of Milan. In 1519 he was a candidate for the throne of the Holy Roman Empire, but the imperial electors chose Charles of Habsburg instead. Francis then embarked on a war against Charles in Italy, but was defeated and captured at Pavia in 1525. Imprisoned in Spain, he was ransomed and returned to France in 1527. After another round of fighting, the two monarchs made peace in 1529, and Francis married the emperor's sister, Eleanor.

Further inconclusive wars were fought against the Habsburgs from 1536 to 1538 and from 1542 to 1544. In this period Francis, a Catholic, did not hesitate to ally himself with German Protestant princes and with Muslim Turks.