Peace of Vervins facts for kids
The Peace of Vervins or Treaty of Vervins was an important agreement signed on May 2, 1598. It was made between Henry IV of France and Philip II of Spain. The signing happened in the small French town of Vervins, in a region called Picardy. This treaty helped end a long period of fighting between France and Spain.
Why the Treaty Was Needed
Henry IV of France had declared war on Spain in 1595. This was part of a larger conflict known as the French Wars of Religion. These wars had been going on for many years in France. They had even spread to other parts of Europe. After a big victory at the Siege of Amiens in 1597, Henry IV was in a stronger position. He also issued the Edict of Nantes on April 13, 1598. This Edict gave more rights to Protestants in France. It helped bring peace within France itself. With peace at home, Henry IV could focus on ending the war with Spain.
What the Treaty Said
The treaty was signed at the Châteauneuf de Vervins, a castle belonging to Guillemette de Coucy. The area around Vervins had been badly damaged by the fighting. Many old fortified churches from the 1500s still show signs of this damage today.
Pope Clement VIII sent his representative, Alessandro de' Medici, to help with the talks. He played a big role in making the treaty happen.
Here are the main things agreed upon:
- Philip II of Spain officially recognized Henry IV as the true King of France. This was a big deal because Henry IV had been a Protestant before becoming king.
- Spain agreed to remove all its soldiers from French lands. This meant the Catholic League, a group that opposed Henry IV, lost Spain's support.
- Important cities like Calais and the fortress of Risban were returned to France. Spain had captured these places in 1596.
What Happened After the Treaty
Philip II of Spain died a few months later, in September 1598. But his son, Philip III, kept the promises made in the treaty. Another ruler, Carlo Emanuele, the Duke of Savoy, had not joined the treaty. Henry IV defeated him in 1599. The Duke of Savoy then signed his own agreement with Henry IV in 1601, called the Treaty of Lyon.
Many historians see the Peace of Vervins as a turning point. It showed that Spain's power was starting to decline. At the same time, France began to grow stronger in Europe. This period became known as the Grand Siècle or "Great Century" for France.
See also
- List of treaties
- Bouillon, Belgium
- de la Marck
