Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis (1559)
Peace treaty that ended the Italian Wars / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis or Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in April 1559 ended the Italian War of 1551–1559, the last of the Italian Wars (1494–1559). It consisted of several separate treaties, the main two signed on 2 April by Elizabeth I of England and Henry II of France, and on 3 April between Henry and Philip II of Spain. Although he was not a signatory, the agreements were approved by Emperor Ferdinand I, since many of the territorial exchanges concerned states that were part of the Holy Roman Empire.
Signed | 2 April 1559 (1559-04-02) (England and France) 3 April 1559 (1559-04-03) (France and Spain) |
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Location | Le Cateau |
Original signatories |
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Parties | |
Languages | French |
Habsburg Spain was left sovereign over half of Italy, namely the southern kingdoms of Naples, Sicily, Sardinia and the Duchy of Milan in the north, territories it retained until the Peace of Utrecht, while France strengthened its southern and eastern borders and confirmed the recapture of Calais from England. In exchange, France abandoned its claim to the Duchy of Milan, restored an independent Savoy, returned Corsica to the Republic of Genoa and recognised Elizabeth I as queen of England, rather than Mary, Queen of Scots.