Normal/Normal. EU 1.10 IGC 2.3
Part I. In Between a Rock and a Hard Place
The late 15th century was a defining moment for many nations, Savoy, being no exception. In the last decade of this century savoy was to make its stake as one of the greater european powers... time would of course determine if that were to be the case. In 1492 Savoy was not in a particularly strong position. Dominated by France to the east culturally and militarily and to the west commerically by genoese and venetian merchants. Its army was nothing special standing at only 10,000 men.
The early years were one of relative peace, developments in artillery and the use of artillery support in battle came quickly as did the early naval guns aboard the small but effective savoyard navy. The first few years were spent rectifying savoyard reliance on genoese and ventians merchants as they slowly built up there control of their own finances.
Savoy was, in 1492, part of a fairly strong catholic alliance comprising of the Papacy, Poland-Lithuania and France that went briefly to war with the Ottoman Empire (1493-95). Savoy's support for the way was largely logistical and no troops saw battle. Poland-Lithuania came out on top with the acquisition of Bujak from the Turks. Aside from a lightning fast Spanish annexation of Navarre (1495) all else remained quiet.
This was to change with the rather unexpected Savoyard Conquest of Milan (1497-1500).The war drew in a complex series of alliances that include france against spain, and virtually the entirety of the italian peninsula. The early phases represent purely the attack on Milan by Savoy. Although the Savoyards were numerically superior and led by the brilliant General Bayard they were faced with a stiff defense led by Ludovico Sforza himself. The long battle (July 27- August 5) tested the resolve of both combatants harshly but in the end the Savoyards triumphed.
Luck was not the side of Savoy however as the Milanese refused to accept annexation rightfully holdng out for her allies who proved suprisingly loyal. The spanish had smashed eastwards destroying any french resistance and the Kingdom of Lorriane, escaping French attacks, were also lucky enough to punch south towards Savoy. The initial assault on the capital was lead by none other the "El Gran Capitan" himsef and General Bayard, at the head of a mere 6000 foot solders, was utterly annihilated south of the capital in a decisive encounter on April 22nd, 1498. It seemed as if Savoy was going to pay dearly for the decision to attack Milan.
The Spanish quickly captured the capital, and to the dismay of the Milanese, demanded only 3d for their trouble. The Savoyards agreed rather quickly. In February the next year the forces of Lorraine were similarly bought off. In June 1500 realising they now had no hope left the Milanese reluctantly accepted union with Savoy.
War, however, raged on in the south of the italian peninsula between the Papacy and Naples but as far as Savoy was concerned it was the last of their involvement... they could not even attack Naples even if they wanted to.
Part I. In Between a Rock and a Hard Place
The late 15th century was a defining moment for many nations, Savoy, being no exception. In the last decade of this century savoy was to make its stake as one of the greater european powers... time would of course determine if that were to be the case. In 1492 Savoy was not in a particularly strong position. Dominated by France to the east culturally and militarily and to the west commerically by genoese and venetian merchants. Its army was nothing special standing at only 10,000 men.
The early years were one of relative peace, developments in artillery and the use of artillery support in battle came quickly as did the early naval guns aboard the small but effective savoyard navy. The first few years were spent rectifying savoyard reliance on genoese and ventians merchants as they slowly built up there control of their own finances.
Savoy was, in 1492, part of a fairly strong catholic alliance comprising of the Papacy, Poland-Lithuania and France that went briefly to war with the Ottoman Empire (1493-95). Savoy's support for the way was largely logistical and no troops saw battle. Poland-Lithuania came out on top with the acquisition of Bujak from the Turks. Aside from a lightning fast Spanish annexation of Navarre (1495) all else remained quiet.
This was to change with the rather unexpected Savoyard Conquest of Milan (1497-1500).The war drew in a complex series of alliances that include france against spain, and virtually the entirety of the italian peninsula. The early phases represent purely the attack on Milan by Savoy. Although the Savoyards were numerically superior and led by the brilliant General Bayard they were faced with a stiff defense led by Ludovico Sforza himself. The long battle (July 27- August 5) tested the resolve of both combatants harshly but in the end the Savoyards triumphed.
Luck was not the side of Savoy however as the Milanese refused to accept annexation rightfully holdng out for her allies who proved suprisingly loyal. The spanish had smashed eastwards destroying any french resistance and the Kingdom of Lorriane, escaping French attacks, were also lucky enough to punch south towards Savoy. The initial assault on the capital was lead by none other the "El Gran Capitan" himsef and General Bayard, at the head of a mere 6000 foot solders, was utterly annihilated south of the capital in a decisive encounter on April 22nd, 1498. It seemed as if Savoy was going to pay dearly for the decision to attack Milan.
The Spanish quickly captured the capital, and to the dismay of the Milanese, demanded only 3d for their trouble. The Savoyards agreed rather quickly. In February the next year the forces of Lorraine were similarly bought off. In June 1500 realising they now had no hope left the Milanese reluctantly accepted union with Savoy.
War, however, raged on in the south of the italian peninsula between the Papacy and Naples but as far as Savoy was concerned it was the last of their involvement... they could not even attack Naples even if they wanted to.
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