Chapter IX
The Auvergne Alliance
The Auvergne Alliance
By the year of Louis XII ascension to the throne of France many of the vassal states had given up their semi independence willingly to create a stronger and unified France. Some however would not give up their lands, such as the Duchy of Auvergne including the county of Poitou.
When Louis personally travels to Auvergne in the early spring of 1461 to convince the duke to let his realm be integrated into France the Duke flatly refuses.
Louis being merely 15 years old at the time can simply not fathom that this lowly Duke dares question his King. Louis threatens with military action against the small Vassal State unless the Duke complies within one month. Duke Guy III immediately contacts France’s enemies for aid. He strikes an alliance with Burgundy who promises its full support along with its ally Switzerland who is to bring large amounts of forces into the Franche-Comte and from there strike towards France in hopes of forcing it to withdraw its demand for Auvergne’s surrender.
The deadline for Louis ultimatum expires without a concession from Guy III and French forces instantly cross into Auvergne sweeping the feeble resistance aside without much difficulty. A few days later the declarations of war from burgundy and Switzerland arrives in Paris. Louis who expected a swift victory has in avertedly plunged France into another large scale conflict.
With the third consecutive war started by a young and inexperienced king now a fact the French military leadership must act fast to bring the war to an end and make it seem worth it to the French people. All evidence concerning Louis trip to and demand from Auvergne is swept under the rug and all remaining French forces are set to the task of once again defeating Burgundy.
With swiss forces entering into Franche-Comte and Burgundian troops moving to link up veteran commander Simon de La Porte attacks with his severely outnumbered army and scores a great victory sending the Swiss fleeing back to their Cantons
After the battle of Comte The burgundian territories swiftly fall and by February 1463 the burgundian Duke is willing to discuss peace and on the 17th of that month Burgundy agrees to part with its last holding in the low countries, the city of Antwerp and Barrois, the former link between the Burgundian heartland and the burgundian lowcountries. Also the County of Nevers is Granted independence from Burgundy.
France has gone victorious out of yet another war but like with the previous two wars it has not done much to cement the popularity of the current Monarch. Nontheless France’s future is looking somewhat brighter with Burgundy effectively neutralized and Castille as a powerful continental ally and significant sea power.
France c. 1463
Louis XII de Valois ( ADM: 4 MIL: 6 DIP: 7)
Gratia Dei: Rex Francorum.
Treasury: 478
GDP: 52.5 Ducats/Year
Standing Army: 40000 Infantry, 20000 Cavalry
Navy: None
Reserves: 92000
Discipline: 127.80%
Tradition: Army 74.20 Navy 1.90
Prestige: 74
Reputation: 9.6
Legitimacy: 82
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