ABSTRACT

Before his victory in the imperial election, Charles V had entered into treaties with Francis I which could be considered humiliating, including agreeing to pay the king of France 100,000 ducats a year in recognition of his rights over the kingdom of Naples. After the election, he wanted recognition from Francis of his new status, and a change to the terms that were supposed to frame relations between them. He was now emerging from the shadow of his counsellors, showing signs of independence of mind, of shrewd judgement and keen interest in affairs of state. The king was reluctant to acknowledge his new position, and was concerned that Charles would travel to Italy to be crowned emperor by the pope and take over more territory while he was there. Francis saw a window of opportunity while Charles was still struggling to establish his rule over his Spanish kingdoms and was yet to test his powers as emperor in Germany. To divert him from Italy, Francis funded an invasion of Luxembourg by Robert de la Marck in February 1521, and assisted Henri d’Albret to take Spanish-held Navarre.