France Through the Centuries

[Austregisel]

A Europa Universalis IV AAR

France Through the Centuries

- Mods Used -
European Advisor Portraits
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Ordo Heraldica Regum et Ducum
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Magyar Unit Pack
Rebalanced Automatic Development
Armies of the east: Eastern unit pack
Armies of Napoleon: Revolutionary Unit Pack
Eurocentric Institutions 1.34
Fortress captures surrounding provinces
Armies of the unit collection: Collection unit pack
The Great Exhibition
Cantons for Colonial Flags
Historic Loading Screens
[1.30.2] Phlopsi's Stability Overhaul 6.0.1
Responsible Blobbing
Armies of vanilla units:Generic unit pack upgrade
Missions Expanded
Terrain Restored
Responsible Warfare
Banners 5.0 [1.33]
Simple Fog of War
National Ideas Extended
Trade Goods Expanded
Advisors Expanded 1.33
Ages and Splendor Expanded
Flavour and Events Expanded 2.0 - 1.34.3
Advisor Types Expanded
Idea Groups Expanded 1.33
Sounds for the Ages
Vanilla Map Rehaul
Moulton's Graphical Map Pack
UI a la Sulfuris
[1.34] Better Prestige
Historical Ideas Expanded
Empty America AztecInca
France Bourbon unit pack
America The Number One unit pack
[1.32.x] Various Weapons Unit Pack
Armies of the Magnificent Crescent:Muslim Unit Pack
Armies of the Friedrichsburg: Right of man unit pack
Armies of the 100 & 30 years wars: European unit pack
Armies of the British isles:Rule Britannia Unit pack
Armies of the Celestial Empire: Mandate of Heaven unit pack
Armies of the Roman Empire:Roman Unit pack Western Edition
Units Display Variation
Armies of the New World: Americas unit pack
Armies of Mare Nostrum : Mediterranean Unit Pack
Armies of the four unit packsharma,Iberia, France,scandavia
Map Font Glow Remover


- INDEX -
Chapter I: The Rise of State Power
Chapter II: The Hundred Year's War
Chapter III: Reorganization of the Crown's Lands
Chapter IV: French Ambitions
Chapter V: 1st Brittany War
Chapter VI: The Burgundian Succession
Chapter VII: The War for Milan
Chapter VIII: Years of French Normality
Chapter IX: The Nation of All French
Chapter X: The French in Central America
Chapter XI: The French Dominance

INITIAL SETUP - 1444

 

[HistoryDude]

Followed!

Will France focus on the vassals or on the English first?

 

[MachopPower69]

Something about Albania's borders makes me uncomfortable

 

[Austregisel]

Followed!

Will France focus on the vassals or on the English first?

I intend to do something more historical, some mods don't allow me to do much expansionist stuff, maybe I'll even withdraw some mods in the middle of the campaign. I don't intend to try to control the core English lands, keeping them as a rival for the whole game would be interesting because of their maritime supremacy.

 

[Austregisel]

A Europa Universalis IV AAR

France Through the Centuries

Chapter I: The Rise of State Power

Spoiler: Song of the Chapter

In many ways, the institution of feudalism that defined life in Europe has its origins in France. During the 11th century, however, the French Feudal Revolution gave French feudalism a bewildering complexity that did not exist anywhere else in Europe, as estates split into smaller pieces under the emerging classes of seignerus and castellons. Some regions such as Toulouse were brought closer to the administration in Paris, but most regions remained largely governed by small powers with little control from Paris.
The agony of the Hundred Years' War only added to the confusion, as allegiance among the various vassals fluctuated between Valois and Plantagenet's claimants to the throne. The cost of the war left France unable to hang the feudal obligations of several prominent vassals, but it also underlined the need for centralization to mount an effective defense against foreign aggression. To truly centralize France, however, centuries of tradition, laws, and feudal contracts must, sooner or later, need to be disregarded or destroyed. The vision of the French crown is clear, an administrative unification becomes the main policy of the crown.

The “Campagnies d’Ordonnace” became in 1445 an important military force of the French crown. Military Campaigns in their current form rely heavily on hired mercenaries who are only loyal to the gold they receive and are very prone to defection once they receive a better offer. To combat this, the creation of a private army that will be loyal only to the state and to the state only begins.

Power in France is not just in the hands of the nobility, who exercise various levels of independence from Paris. The growing class of lawyers, centered in Paris, runs most of the state's administration with little oversight from the monarch. Due to the inadequate road system, the farther from Paris the courts are, the less they tend to listen to the king. A properly unified administration of the nation must, of course, begin in the capital. The royal pretension of ruling over the most distant regions by any means necessary ends up making a varied number of almost independent nobles angry, but little by little they tend to lose their autonomy, they can't do anything alone.

While the French nobility tend to get most of the King's attention because of their vast estates and military power, the clergy are equally a political force to be reckoned with. Sometimes the French clergy control up to 40% of the nation's wealth in endowments, which under French law can only increase, never decrease. The French Crown did at least take power to appoint bishops and cardinals during the medieval investiture crisis, but the clergy is also a more unified force in opposition to the king than the nobility who often quarrel with each other. If Charles VII can leverage the concessions they already have, he can overcome clerical resistance to centralization. This discussion in the royal court took a long time, but in the end, especially the King, chose not to disturb the clergy at the moment, the English threat and other nobles are more important at the moment, an alliance to count on the support of the clergy is more important and advantageous. Gradually the loyalty of the clergy grows, as their lands grow, providing an increase in stability in French territory.

The year 1445 is not even halfway over yet, and yet the renewals of royal power, the intrigues at court, and the attempts to increase Paris' power over the most distant regions create a crisis with the nobility. Seeking to preserve its ancient medieval prerogatives, the nobility remains a powerful force that largely opposes the most recent royal attempts at centralization. More recent efforts to increase the power of the crown have caused a delegation of the most powerful French nobles, the semi-independent crown vassals, and others to approach the king and demand that the course of current policies be reversed. The King does not accept this demand, which irritates the nobility, diminishing French stability. The nobles of Armagnac, Auvergne, Bourbonnais, Foix and Orleans then decide their next move.

​

 

[HistoryDude]

Good move. Pissing off the clergy wouldn't have ended well.

 

[Austregisel]

Good move. Pissing off the clergy wouldn't have ended well.

Very dangerous to pick a fight with the two greatest powers in the nation.

 

[Austregisel]

A Europa Universalis IV AAR

France Through the Centuries

Chapter II: The Hundred Year's War

Spoiler: SONG OF THE CHAPTER

On June 24, 1445, French troops took control of Maine, after the English had repeatedly tried to avoid this issue, despite having accepted the Treaty of Tours that promised control of the County of Maine to France. Then again war breaks out between the English and French.

The French army is divided in two, Jean Bureau leaves to the north to take Caux, and a little further south the Armée Royale leaves to take Alençon. The two armies would then meet at Caen, were the English fort stay defendig the region, Jean Bureau would lead the French army against the fort.

​

France in the early modern period is a vast and populous land, the largest and most populous kingdom in the western world, and certainly the largest to be claimed by a hereditary monarch, as opposed to the elective monarch of the more populous but divided Holy Roman Empire. Despite greater political unity, people in the various regions of France cling to their local identities rather than to be a properly 'Frenchmen', especially further away from the capital. At the moment the French crown chooses not to tighten even more in favor of a centralization in the midst of a war against the English, in this way the crown adopts the policy of provincialism, which brings greater national stability and a lower risk of revolts, in addition to favoring of the regional nobles, however much of it increases their autonomy and political distance from the capital.

To the south, in the Aquitaine region, the armies of Auvergne and Castille join in the siege of Labourd. Gui de Carlat and Álvaro de Luna lead the united army.

In April 1446, the French and Castilian fleet led by Juan Pinzón suffered a defeat against the English fleet led by Stephen de Suffolk. Even in smaller numbers, the English sink 9 French and Castilian ships, while capturing a ship, they gain total naval superiority in the war.

​

In June, Jean Bureau, commander of the French army, died of old age, even before taking Caen for the French. After 407 days, Caen ends up falling, along with it all of Normandy is taken by the French without any English opposition in the region.

With the victory in Normandy, the French army in October, with new leadership, sets out to besiege Calais, the last English fort in northern France.

In the midst of a siege on French lands, the Castilian army is taken by surprise after learning of a revolt by Alfonso de Alarcón in Galicia, a poorly fortified land, where quick action is needed by the army to oppose the rebels, who find support of the local population. Only in April, the Castilian army returned to its lands after taking Labourd from the English hands.

Taking advantage of the revolt in Castille, the English decide to land an army in Galicia led by John Talbot, this would be the only British attack on the European continent in this war.

​

In July, the English had already taken La Coruna, but now they had a strong opposition, the army of Castille and Auvergne. They battle in Orense, in which the English army would be defeated, being forced to find refuge in La Coruna.

In August 1447, French troops arrive in Galicia, and they meet with their allies, form an army of more than 28,000 soldiers, which attacks the English troops in the Battle of La Coruna. Jean de Dunois leading the French army and allies defeat the smaller army of John Talbot, already tired of facing the Castilians in Orense. After the battle, the English army and totally annihilated in some skirmishes around the region, John Talbot and a small number of Englishmen still manages to return to England at the end of the year by sea.

 

[HistoryDude]

It seems as if Castile isn't doing great...

France seems to be winning the Hundred Years's War right now, though, so that's good.

 

[Austregisel]

It seems as if Castile isn't doing great...

France seems to be winning the Hundred Years's War right now, though, so that's good.

With the help of the crown of France, Castile will not have problems for sure.

 

[Austregisel]

A Europa Universalis IV AAR

France Through the Centuries

Chapter III: Reorganization of the Crown's Lands

Spoiler: SONG OF THE CHAPTER

The state of war in France still continues in 1447, when in August, Calais is taken from the English hands, who no longer have territory on the continent.

Six months pass without any hostility between the two nations, until, in February 1448, a civil war begins on English soil. The House of York revolts, and seeks international support, sending emissaries to Paris, requesting help. Some sort of support might be a good gamble to prevent a strong and unified England from warring on French soil in the future, and if the rebels succeed in claiming the throne, French aid would be remembered, improving relations between France and England. The King decides to help the House of York by sending a force of 5,000 Frenchmen to compose his army.

The Hundred Years' War comes to an end in October 1448, England agrees to pass all its territory on the continent except Calais to the control of France summarily.

The state of Normandy, a region steeped in history, whether recognized as the home of William of Normandy, or the place where St. Joan of Arc was martyred ends up falling back into French hands, with this addition, the King asserts his control over northern France. The provinces of Bordeaux and Labourd also returned to French hands. With the claim of these two provinces, the southern border is reinforced against any invasion from Iberia that may happen in the future.

With Normandy reconquered, the council deliberates on the fate of the historic Duchy and the chaos it has caused over the centuries. On a pedestal in front of the council is the Ducal Ring of Normandy. It is then decided that the ring must be destroyed. The King makes a great show of striking the ring with an axe, putting an end to the fight. The Ring is broken, the duchy no longer exists, its lands are then passed to the crown directly.

During the course of the Hundred Years' War, the Dukes of Alençon were driven from their lands by the English invasion. Now that the Duchy's traditional territory has returned to French hands, the surviving aristocrats of the House of Valois-Alençon implore the King to restore their lost lands and titles. The King decides to accept, and restores the Duchy, of which Jean de Valois becomes the new Duke of the region.

​

 

[SibCDC]

On a pedestal in front of the council is the Ducal Ring of Normandy. It is then decided that the ring must be destroyed. The King makes a great show of striking the ring with an axe, putting an end to the fight. The Ring is broken, the duchy no longer exists, its lands are then passed to the crown directly.

Without context, this could've easily been pulled from a fantasy book. I wouldn't be surprised if Lord of the Rings was based on historical traditions like this.

 

[HistoryDude]

The Hundred Years's War ended shockingly quickly. Hopefully the Wars of the Roses keeps England distracted.

I wonder if the French Crown will regret restoring their vassals to their throne - they could prove rivals... although I doubt that'll actually happen.

 

[Austregisel]

The Hundred Years's War ended shockingly quickly. Hopefully the Wars of the Roses keeps England distracted.

I wonder if the French Crown will regret restoring their vassals to their throne - they could prove rivals... although I doubt that'll actually happen.

For historical reasons it makes sense, most semi-independent dukes start to disappear only after 1500.

 

[Austregisel]

A Europa Universalis IV AAR

France Through the Centuries

Chapter IV: French Ambitions

Spoiler: SONG OF THE CHAPTER

In 1449, news arrives in Paris of the end of the War of the Roses, the rebellion of the House of York was finally crushed. James I, the English King began to turn his attention to those who supported the revolt, internally and externally. The clear French attempt to help the House of York is an important agenda in Westminster, the deterioration of the relationship between the two kingdoms is inevitable.

Since the 14th century, the rich and powerful in Italian city-states have been patrons of artists and scholars willing to explore the ancient Roman and Greek societies of their ancestors. As a cultural movement, the Renaissance now encompasses most of the region and has had a profound impact on literature, art, philosophy and music. Humanist scholars are also analyzing the society they live in, comparing it to the ideals of classical philosophers. By the turn of 1450, Renaissance humanism had become a more mature movement, ready to permeate all aspects of society. A new ideal for rulers, as well as those who are ruled, is spreading as fast as early printers can distribute copies of these new ideas. A true Renaissance humanist is an expert in everything from politics and philosophy to art, textual analysis, music and architecture. The Renaissance is now ready to reshape the world to better suit its classical ideals.

The Dukes of Provence have proved mightily ambitious in recent years, claiming every vacant throne from Aragon to Jerusalem. When all is said and done, however, they are nothing more than a mere descendant of the Valois dynasty that rules France, Europe's greatest crown outside the Emperor himself. This junior part of the family has managed to secure French possessions far and wide, proclaim a kingdom for themselves, and even claim territory in the heart of France. This ambition threatens to interfere with French ambitions. While the princes of Anjou have tried their best to maintain good relations, it is perhaps in their best interest to reconsider their alliance with France. The council ruling in the name of the King, who is indisposed, decides to pursue an aggressive policy, and breaks an alliance between France and Provence, necessary for them to be obliged to recognize the sovereignty of the King of France.

In April 1452, France was still not prepared to invade the lands of Provence, but Duke Charles I of Bourgogne took advantage of the fact that the lord of Provence was excommunicated by the Pope, to invade his lands without any objection.

The crown continues with the policy of diminishing the power of the nobility, for as the power of the state grows it becomes more and more apparent that former noble families possess much influence and power. Their jealous preoccupation with their former privileges is making the government's growth very difficult. With several implementations to reduce the influence of the nobility, the state starts to have a better collection of national taxes.

The war between Provence and Burgundy ends in 1454, with a complete victory for the Duke of Burgundy, from which he annexes a large part of the territory of Provence and Lorraine to the north, while the Duke of Brittany, François I of Dreux annexes the County of Anjou.
The French Armada stationed in Luçon receives the news of its future increase in force, the King orders the acquisition of 11 Barques to protect the maritime trade routes mainly.

For reasons beyond the knowledge of the King and his closest court, the current Pope decides to excommunicate Charles VII of Valois, in addition to announcing his political opposition to France, this becomes a major thorn in the side of the French crown, even more so because of the Burgundy's aggression against Provence solely on account of the excommunication of the Duke of Provence as grounds for an invasion.

King Juan II of Castile announced in 1455 what would become known as the Iberian Wedding, joining the Kingdom of Castile and the Crown of Aragon into one. Castile gains incredible foreign political power after this move.

In October 1455, French forces led by the King himself invaded Provence with the pretense of a war of unification. The French forces quickly control Aix and Forcalquier, soon after, Hugues du Valentinois, in command of the French army to the south, defeats in battle the forces of Provence, who are expelled from the region.

In 1456, Milan falls into political chaos. The throne is vacant and a prosperous republic strives in vain to establish order. This becomes an excellent opportunity for King Charles VII to impose his claim to the Duchy of Milan, predicated on his marital relations with the now-defunct House of Visconti. However, the war against Provence is more urgent, and takes most of the King's attention.

In Rome, Pope Hadrianus VI ascends the throne, who supports the policies of Doge Giovanni Lomelli of the Republic of Genoa, this event causes the Pope to withdraw the excommunication of King Charles VII, on account of the good relationship between the Republic and France.

Toulon is taken in November 1456, with this conquest the war ends in glory for France, as King Charles VII becomes Duke of Provence, after a personal union between the two states is declared.
In the year 1457, the War of Unification of Castile and Naples begins, due to the alliance between the Kingdoms of Castile and France, the King is obliged to help in the war, so the French forces together with several nobles and the Castilian Army invades the Duchy of Savoy, an ally of the Kingdom of Naples in July.

While the Britons were included in the old Carolingian Empire, the last bastion of Celtic presence in mainland Europe was quick to secure its independence. Gifted with skilled diplomats, they traded respect for their sovereignty in exchange for neutrality in the Hundred Years' War. Now that the English have been expelled from France, however, this promise of neutrality is no longer relevant. More relevant is the promise that the Duchy of Brittany will swear fealty and pay tribute to the true King of France. Treated or not, the fact that the Britons occupy land that by right forms part of the French crown. The diplomatic consequence of being forced is of course a war, the issue will be defined by the alliance ties of the two nations.

Auvergne is successfully integrated into the French crown in 1461, now French diplomats can focus on the issue of the Duchy of Brittany.

​

 

[HistoryDude]

France seems to have an internal foe in Burgundy... and England will soon renew their war. France might be in trouble...

 

[Austregisel]

France seems to have an internal foe in Burgundy... and England will soon renew their war. France might be in trouble...

France will surely POKE every englishmen if they try to cross the English Channel again, well they have Calais yet.

 

[HIMDogson]

Subbed; love in depth AARs like this and eager to see where history takes France

 

[Austregisel]

A Europa Universalis IV AAR

France Through the Centuries

Chapter V: 1st Brittany War

Spoiler: SONG OF THE CHAPTER

Battlefield commissions become a normal part of military life in France, this allows state to focus heavily on military advances and consequently increase the French military tradition.

The war between France and Brittany breaks out in 1464. The first battle takes place on the outskirts of Paris, where Kahlden leads the allied army of Brabant, Gelre, Nevers, Burgundy and Flanders against the army of France led by Lhéry. The French get the victory in the end. Of the 17,000 enemy soldiers, about 5,200 die for the 21,000 French who suffer 4,634 casualties in the battle.

Further south, the army led by French nobles more disconnected from the crown advance with force in Nivernais and Dijonnais with the help of the forces of Aragon commanded by Veldrán.

The French army now commanded by La Molte d'Airan takes Picardie in 1465, while the Aragonese to the north besiege Rysel. Burgundy's Army and its allies remain between Artois and Cambray, but remain in check against the French army just to the south. While in Brittany, the Castilian army and the Armagnac regiments are dominating the region without enemy interference.

In March 1466, King Charles VII of Valois died from a wound inflicted while playing sports. His son ascends the throne as Louis XI of Valois at the age of 42.

In June 1466, the Duke of Burgundy accepts concessions in a separate peace treaty with France, much of its territory and its vassals had already been temporarily taken. The important cities of Amiens and Arras are granted to the French crown, with a sum of money to be paid by the Duke of Burgundy to complete the treaty.

The war ends in December 1466, and due to the influence of the Pope, it is impossible for the French crown to completely vassal the Duchy, a coalition of nations against France would be born from this, the Pope was efficient in excommunicating the King of France in the middle of the course of war. On account of this, the treaty only forces Duke François I to pay a reasonable amount of money to the French crown, break his relations with the Duke of Burgundy and give back the County of Anjou to the Duchy of Provence.

In 1468, King Louis XI of Valois dies very early, because of this the Dauphin of France is not yet of age to reign, so the regency of Adélaide of Bar begins, while the Dauphin is still 1 year old.

The vast lands under French jurisdiction stretch from east to west. The proper functioning of the provinces under the dominion of the crown must be guaranteed. From there, it is decided to focus the centralization of the state on the creation of a monarchical bureaucracy. In September 1473, the annexation of the County of Bourbonnais to French lands is completed, plus one of the semi-independent Dukes and Counts becomes an integral part of the Kingdom of France.

With the increase in interest in higher arts and music, development has been encouraged by all. One of the main targets for development is the lavish Loire Valley. With its natural beauty, it has been an attraction for all French nobles. Architects are increasingly common on royal projects, and many succeed in projects to develop this region into a paradise on earth.

In July 1475, Joseph d'Estrées joins the royal council, a military reformer, who became a high-ranking military veteran, and won the crown's grace for his constant investigation of new inventions and tactics to improve and expand the French army.

January 1482, the regency ends, Louis XII comes at age, is crowned together with his wife, Queen Marie d'Escoubleau, while their son Louis de Valois is declared Dauphin of France. His first act as King is the declaration of war on Duke Pierre II of Brittany on 22 February. Diplomacy is a success, as King James III of Scotland and Queen Elizabeth I of Castile promise to help in this aggression that will bring King Henry VII of England and Duke Charles I of Burgundy as enemies of France again.

By royal order, the defense begins to be prepared, with France being attacked, but the enemies have not advanced much into French territory. Strategists suggest fortifying defenses where they need it most. They are, however, turning to King Louis XII for his opinion on exactly where that defense should focus, in the capital or whether it would be better to fortify the borders first. The king's choice involves preparing the capital and the surrounding provinces, more precisely in Île-de-France, Chartres and Picardie.

 

[Austregisel]

A Europa Universalis IV AAR

France Through the Centuries

Chapter VI: The Burgundian Succession

Spoiler: SONG OF THE CHAPTER

In the year 1482, the French army made up of 20,000 soldiers conquered Nantais. The entire Duchy would be dominated until February 1483. On the Scottish border with England, in Scotland the war is in favor of the French ally, the taking of the fort in Northumberland opens the territory for the Scottish army led by Raeburn to besiege London.

Some Castilian regiments head to Arlon, where the French army of La Molte d'Airan and two Navarrese regiments commanded by Zárate meet the army of Burgundy's vassals. The Battle of Arlon follows, where 4,500 enemy soldiers would be killed by the French. This victory allows the siege of Luxembourg to begin.

By October 1484, England would withdraw from the war, after paying a sum of money to France and its allies, meanwhile almost the entire territory of Burgundy is dominated, forcing the duke to sign a peace treaty at a total disadvantage. Essentially, the Duchy of Burgundy is obliged to hand over Nivernais to France and the Counties of Barrois and Verdun to the Duchy of Provence, which it had lost decades earlier. With Brittany alone in the war, the duchy is made a vassal of the Kingdom of France, this is seen internationally as an outrage to stability in that western part of the continent, several other states begin to organize and perhaps form a coalition against the French Crown.

The period of peace arrives in the Kingdom of France, the following years the war is characterized by the low financing of the army and defensive infrastructures, the reconstruction of a robust navy, the financing of workshops throughout the French territory, and finally in 1488 it is completed the transformation of Paris into a World Trade Center. The French Crown is committed to improving its diplomatic relations with the most diverse states in Western Europe after being seen as a highly aggressive state in recent years.

In 1489, King Louis XII decides to adopt a policy of reducing clerical privileges, even though religion is of great social importance in the government, but the clerical class in France has gained a lot of power and influence. For the King, this view of the state will only impede the state's potential for growth if they hold such power in their hands.

The French policy of battle commissions has proved quite successful, a new general has emerged in the ranks of the army by the name of Blaise de Siorac.

The Archduke of Austria and Kaiser Ferdinand I von Habsburg inherited the lands of the Duchy of Burgundy fully, King Louis XII sees this as outrageous, and decides to raise the issue of the Burgundian affair internally and externally. In this way the crown secures claims to the Burgundian lands and the Netherlands to the north as properly French territory.

The princes of the empire decide in 1491 the question of the succession of Burgundy, and for the most part decide to divide the Duchy into several others, each with von Habsburg nobles ruling, this deeply infuriates King Louis XII who gains nothing from this other than making the Kaiser a rival to the French crown in curbing France's territorial ambitions over this disputed region.

One of the army officers, with the help of several clerks, compiled a manual of the collected knowledge of military life found in the French army. It covers fighting styles, tactics, and stories in important battles, and unlike previous books of its kind, this one is being written in French rather than Latin. This will definitely make training officers and soldiers much easier.

The Duchy of Armagnac is fully integrated in May 1498, for all these years the French crown has been preparing for this, investments, constructions, peaceful diplomacy and stabilization policies have been successful since the beginning of the integration process started a few years ago.

​