Siege of Metz (1552) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Siege of Metz
Part of the Habsburg-Valois War
Map of Metz during the siege
Date 19 October 1552 - 2 January 1553 Location Metz, France Result French victory
Belligerents
Holy Roman Empire	Kingdom of France
Commanders and leaders
Charles V of Habsburg	Francis, Duke of Guise
Strength
20,000-60,000 150 guns	6,000
Casualties and losses
20,000-30,000	Unknown

The Siege of Metz was an important battle that happened between October 1552 and January 1553. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Habsburg-Valois War. This war was fought between the powerful Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of France.

Why Did the Siege of Metz Happen?

This battle started because of a disagreement over some important cities. These cities were Toul, Verdun, and Metz. They were known as the 'Three Bishoprics'.

A Deal Between Princes

Before the siege, there was a peace agreement called the Augsburg Interim. This agreement tried to settle religious differences in the Holy Roman Empire. But it did not last.

Some Protestant princes in the Empire were unhappy. They formed a group called the Schmalkaldic League. These princes made a secret deal with Henry II of France, who was the King of France. This deal was called the Treaty of Chambord.

The Three Bishoprics Join France

As part of this treaty, the Protestant princes gave the cities of Toul, Verdun, and Metz to France. These cities were important because they were close to the border. They were also "free cities," meaning they had some independence within the Holy Roman Empire.

This made Emperor Charles V very angry. He was the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. He decided to take Metz back by force.

The Battle for Metz

Emperor Charles V led a large army to Metz. The city was defended by a French army. Their commander was a skilled leader named Francis, Duke of Guise.

Strong Defenses and Attacks

The French had a strong group of soldiers defending Metz. The Imperial army, led by Charles V, had many more soldiers and cannons. They used these cannons to attack the city walls.

The powerful cannon shots destroyed large parts of the city's defenses. Even with the walls damaged, the Imperial army could not get inside the city. The French defenders fought bravely and held their ground.

Why the Siege Failed

The siege lasted for several months, from October 1552 to January 1553. During this time, the Imperial army faced many problems.

Sickness Spreads

The soldiers in Charles V's army started to get very sick. Many of them caught diseases like typhus, dysentery, and scurvy. These illnesses spread quickly through the camp.

Thousands of soldiers became too sick to fight. The cold winter weather also made things worse. The army's supplies ran low, and conditions became very difficult.

Retreat of Charles V

Because so many of his soldiers were sick and dying, Emperor Charles V had to give up. His army was forced to leave Metz. They left behind many sick and wounded soldiers.

The French had successfully defended Metz. This was a big victory for France and a major defeat for Emperor Charles V.

What Happened Next?

After the siege, Metz remained under French control. It was like a French protectorate, meaning France protected it.

The city officially became part of France much later. This happened in 1648 with the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia. This treaty ended the Thirty Years' War and changed the map of Europe.