THE BATTLE OF THE SPURS

In 1511, Pope Julius II declared a Holy League against France in order to reduce its presence in Italy. This league included the Papal States, Venice, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Swiss Confederacy. Seeing an opportunity to enlarge the English possessions in France, a young Henry VIII joined this alliance.

By David Davies

The French involvement in the affairs of the Italian states dated back several decades. A succession of Popes had enlisted French support to further their own objectives. Eventually, French armies proved very successful – too successful. Soon Pope Julius II realized he needed to find allies and combine forces against France's domination of the region! Ah, such was Italian politics… While Henry VIII could not take his war to Italy, he could cross the Channel and attack France. In 1512, an expedition to reconquer Aquitaine from the French turned into a disaster when the promised support from Aragon failed to arrive. Undaunted, the English drew up plans to lead an expedition from the port of Calais, which had been safely in English hands since 1347. Henry VIII found an ally in Emperor…

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Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy (Digital) - 1 Issue, WSS 126

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