Treaty of Cambrai facts for kids
The Treaty of Cambrai is also known as the Ladies' Peace (or Paix des Dames in French). This important agreement was signed on August 3, 1529. It officially ended France's part in the War of the League of Cognac. This war was fought between the French king Francis I and the Spanish Habsburg emperor Charles V.
The treaty temporarily confirmed that Spain (ruled by the Habsburg family) would control the Duchy of Milan and Southern Italy.
Two powerful women negotiated and signed this peace treaty in Cambrai. They were Margaret of Austria, who represented the emperor, and Louise of Savoy, who represented the king.
The treaty brought back most of the rules from an earlier agreement, the Treaty of Madrid (1526). However, it did not require France to give up the region of Burgundy to Charles V.
Why the Treaty Was Needed
The Peace of Cambrai ended France's involvement in the War of the League of Cognac. This war had been going on since 1526. The treaty was signed in the city of Cambrai. This city was an important center in the Netherlands at the time. Today, it is in the French department of Nord.
This treaty is often called the "Ladies' Peace." This is because women played a very important role in making it happen. King Francis I's mother, Louise of Savoy, and Emperor Charles V's aunt, Margaret of Austria, led the talks. They represented their monarchs, helping them reach an agreement without losing face. Marguerite of Navarre also helped a lot with this achievement.
What the Treaty Said
Under the terms of the peace treaty signed in Cambrai, King Francis I gave up his claims to lands in Italy. He also gave up his claims to the regions of Artois and Flanders. However, he was allowed to keep Burgundy, which Charles V agreed to give up.
The treaty also arranged for the return of King Francis I's sons. These were Dauphin François and Prince Henry, who would later become King Henry II. They were returned to France in exchange for a large payment of 2 million écu. Francis I also confirmed that he would marry Charles V's sister, Eleanor. They were married on July 7, 1530.
What Happened After
The Treaty of Cambrai, along with another agreement called the Treaty of Barcelona (between the emperor and the Pope), meant the end of the Cognac League. Only the Florentine Republic continued to fight against Charles V. This led to the siege and surrender of Florence in 1530.
However, King Francis I was not completely happy with the terms of the peace. Because of this, a new conflict began between France and the Habsburg Empire in 1536.
