Valtellina War facts for kids

The Valtellina War (1620–1626) was a conflict that happened during the Thirty Years' War. It was fought over control of the Valtelline valley. This valley was a very important route through the Alps, known as the Spanish Road.

Quick facts for kids Valtellina War
Part of the Thirty Years' War
Date July 1620 – May 1626 Location Valtellina Result Treaty of Monzón. Total Habsburg control of the Valtellina prevented, but the Spanish Road through the valley reopened.
Belligerents
France The Three Leagues  Venice  Savoy	Papal States  Holy Roman Empire Spain
Commanders and leaders
Antoine d'Estrées François Annibal d'Estrées

Why the Valtellina War Started

The Valtelline valley in Northern Italy was super important. It was a key pathway for the House of Habsburg family. This powerful family ruled both Spain and Austria. They used the Valtelline valley as part of their "Spanish Road" to move troops and goods.

The Sforza family had given the valley to the Grison League. But there was a big problem: the people living in Valtelline were Catholic, and the Grison rulers were Protestant.

Spain saw a chance to get involved. They encouraged the Catholic people in Valtelline to revolt. Soon, Spain took control of the valley.

Other European powers saw this as a danger. In 1623, Venice, the Duke of Savoy, and France formed an alliance. They signed the Treaty of Paris (1623) to take back the valley.

Spain tried to keep the peace. They let the Pope, Pope Gregory XV, control the area. France didn't do much at first, so the Pope's troops took over Valtelline. Later, Pope Urban VIII became Pope.

How the War Was Fought

Things changed when Cardinal Richelieu became a powerful leader in France. He convinced King Louis XIII that Spain gaining control of Valtellina was a huge threat. Richelieu said it would make the Habsburgs too strong. He also said it would make the Pope a "chaplain of the Habsburgs." This meant the Pope would be under their control.

France said they were helping their ally, the Duke of Savoy. The Duke was attacking Genoa, which Spain supported. By attacking Valtellina, France would make Spain split its forces.

The French easily got Swiss Protestants to join them. These Swiss people were happy to help their fellow Protestants in Valtellina. On November 24, 1624, about 5,000 to 6,000 French troops entered Valtellina. They were led by François Annibal d'Estrées.

The French troops quickly forced the Pope's soldiers out of the valley. Many people found it strange that a Cardinal (Richelieu) was attacking the Pope's troops. This surprised Rome, Spain, and even some Catholics in France.

In March 1625, another French leader, François de Bonne de Lesdiguières, joined forces with the Duke of Savoy. They defeated Spanish and Genoese forces. The Pope, Pope Urban VIII, needed to keep the forts in Valtellina. He started gathering 6,000 men to take the valley back.

What Happened After the War?

Pope Urban VIII sent his nephew, Cardinal Francesco Barberini, to Paris in 1625. His job was to make peace. Spain also gave him permission to negotiate.

The talks led to the Treaty of Monzón. France's allies were not part of these peace talks. This made them feel left out and angry. They thought France had fought the war only for its own benefit.

Richelieu had to calm his allies down. He even pretended he wasn't happy with the peace treaty. But in the end, France got what it wanted. They stopped the Habsburgs from fully controlling the Valtellina valley. French troops stayed in the valley until 1627, then they left.

See also

In Spanish: Guerra de la Valtelina para niños