Siege of Dijon facts for kids
The Siege of Dijon was an important event that happened between September 8 and 13, 1513. During this time, the Swiss army successfully attacked the French city of Dijon. This event was part of a bigger conflict called the War of the League of Cambrai.
After the French army lost a major fight called the Battle of Novara, some groups of Swiss soldiers, known as mercenaries, followed the French army as they retreated towards Dijon. After only a few days of the Swiss surrounding the city, Dijon had to give up. A peace agreement was made where the Swiss got everything they asked for. France had to give up its claims to Milan, Cremona, and Asti. France also had to pay the Swiss army a large sum of money, 400,000 crowns, as a war payment.
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What Was the Siege of Dijon?
A siege happens when an army surrounds a city or castle. The goal is to cut off its supplies and force the people inside to surrender. The Siege of Dijon was a short but important siege. It showed the strength of the Swiss army at that time.
Why Did the Siege Happen?
The Siege of Dijon was part of the War of the League of Cambrai. This was a series of conflicts in Italy and surrounding areas. Many European powers, including France and Switzerland, were fighting over control of different lands. The Swiss wanted to gain more power and land, especially in areas like Milan.
Who Were the Swiss Mercenaries?
Swiss mercenaries were soldiers who were paid to fight for other countries. They were famous for being very skilled and brave fighters. Many European rulers hired Swiss soldiers because they were known for their discipline and strength in battle. In this siege, these Swiss soldiers were fighting against France.
The Battle and Surrender
After their victory at Novara, the Swiss forces moved towards Dijon. They surrounded the city, cutting it off from outside help. The people of Dijon and the French soldiers inside knew they could not win. After just five days, the city decided to surrender to the Swiss army. This avoided a long and bloody fight.
What Was the Outcome?
The surrender of Dijon led to a peace treaty. This treaty was very good for the Swiss.
- France agreed to give up its claims to important Italian cities. These included Milan, Cremona, and Asti.
- France also had to pay a large amount of money to the Swiss. This payment, called a war indemnity, was 400,000 crowns. A "crown" was a type of gold coin used as money back then. This payment helped the Swiss army and showed their power.
