December 1483 saw yet another great step forward in the Unification of France, the last independent french Duchy (Brittany) finally accepted french sovereignity, this unification of the french territories was not complete however: The French king still claimed Béarn and Rousillion, two territories not given to them, the owner of Béarn was the kingdom of Portugal, in a small war 1485 the french attempted to seize the Pyreéneic province, however, for some inexplicable reason the Portugeuse refused to even DISCUSS handing the province over, even though it was occupied by french troops (OOC: Bug, the province just didn't show up on the list...) Instead the Iberian Inhabitants offered their French Foes the old Granadan Gibraltar. The French of course accepted the gift, and instantly handed the small province over to a descendant of the Sultan of Granada.
Since a few years the french had lain claim to the Kingdom of Naples, a great victory for all right-thinking individuals. The Napolitans were unwilling to hand their fair kingdom over to the french however, so king Lois had no choice but to declare war. The First Napolitan war was a swift affair, french troops simply swarmed the kingdom and assaulted it's fortresses, unable to completely vanquish the Napolitans the french settled for the province of Apulia however.
The Second War for Naples in 1502 would prove yet another victory for the french arms, the napolitans were unable to withstand thier assault and within two years Naples was fully incorporated into France. The french king Lois (struck by temporary insanity that did not seem to hinder his ability to wage war) Exlaimed: "There is nothing more serene than working on your knitting while you wait for the BIG BAD WEREWOLF DOGGIES WHO COME AND CHEW OFF YOUR TOES IN THE DARK!"
The French people took this lesson to heart, for the next 72 years the french would know an unsurpassed era of peace and prosperity. Maps were traded with the Spaniards and Portugeuse (also others, whose name will not be mentioned here) Trade-posts were established, it is said that king Francóis exclaimed that his victories were 1337 in 1546, but most serious historians discount that rumour.
And now the Test!
Subject: France before the Wars of Religion.
1. What were the reasons for the hundred-years war? Examine and analyze the reasons for the French, English and Burgundian actions from 1419 to the end of the war. Examples of questions you should ask yourself are: Why did they act as they did? Could events have transpired differently? And what role did the sinister duck play in all of this (some say it was a reference to an acocryphal prophecy that the Duc of Lorraine would conquer the world).
2. What were the reasons for Jeanne d'Arc's rebellion? How did it end? Could it have ended differently? Discuss.
3. The Consolidation was an important part of French history, Why?
4. Why was the vassalization of Burgundy such a significant event?
5. Do you think the french claims on Naples were justified? Why?