Treaty of Mantes facts for kids
The Treaty of Mantes was an important agreement signed on February 22, 1354. It was made between two powerful leaders: Charles II of Navarre and John II of France. This treaty aimed to create peace between them.
At the time, Charles II of Navarre was talking with English leaders like Edward the Black Prince and Henry of Grosmont. King John II of France wanted to make sure Charles stayed on his side against England. So, John II sent a person named Robert le Coq to a town called Mantes. His job was to make a peace deal with Charles.
Through the treaty, Charles was given the title of Count of Beaumont-le-Roger. King John also made many other agreements to please Charles. However, the peace King John wanted did not last long. Later that same year, Charles made a new alliance with Henry of Grosmont. This new alliance meant that new talks were needed. These talks led to another agreement called the Treaty of Valognes the next year.
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Key People in the Treaty
Charles II was also known as Charles the Bad. He was the King of Navarre from 1349 to 1387. Navarre was a kingdom located between France and Spain. Charles was known for his clever and sometimes tricky ways. He often played both sides during conflicts. This made him a powerful but unpredictable figure.
John II of France
John II was the King of France from 1350 to 1364. He was also known as John the Good. During his rule, France was involved in the Hundred Years' War with England. King John wanted to keep his kingdom safe. He tried to make alliances with other rulers, like Charles of Navarre. This was to strengthen France against its enemies.
Robert le Coq
Robert le Coq was a French bishop and politician. He was sent by King John II to negotiate the treaty. His role was to represent the French king. He helped work out the details of the agreement.
Why the Treaty Was Needed
The main reason for the Treaty of Mantes was to stop Charles II of Navarre from joining forces with England. England and France were fighting in the Hundred Years' War. King John II of France needed all the allies he could get. Charles of Navarre was a powerful noble. If he sided with England, it would be a big problem for France.
What the Treaty Agreed To
The treaty gave Charles II of Navarre important lands and titles. He became the Count of Beaumont-le-Roger. This was a significant area in France. King John also made other promises and gave Charles more power. These agreements were meant to keep Charles loyal to France.
Why the Peace Did Not Last
Even with all the agreements, the peace from the Treaty of Mantes did not last. Charles II of Navarre was always looking for ways to increase his own power. Soon after the treaty, he made a new alliance with Henry of Grosmont. Henry was an important English military leader. This new alliance showed that Charles was still willing to work with England. This broke the spirit of the Treaty of Mantes.
The Next Steps: Treaty of Valognes
Because Charles made a new alliance with England, King John II had to negotiate again. These new discussions led to the Treaty of Valognes. This treaty was signed the following year. It showed that the peace between France and Navarre was still very fragile.
Sources
- Funk, Arthur Layton. "Robert Le Coq and Etienne Marcel." Speculum, Vol. 19, No. 4 (Oct., 1944), pp 470–487.
- Zacour, Norman P. "Talleyrand: The Cardinal of Périgord (1301-1364)." Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, New Ser., Vol. 50, No. 7. (1960), pp 1–83.
See also
In Spanish: Tratado de Mantes para niños
