Austria- the recreation of the Holy Roman Empire

The heir

Nicholas Hjargini

In April 1428, after having guided Austria for 9 years, Rudolfo Hjargini died. He was a good and peaceful leader, making a strong alliance and marrying Austrian princesses to main European courts. Under his hand, Austria made their first steps into it’s glory, but the path was far from over. His son, named Niccolo Hjargini- though know as Nicholas Hjargini, was 21 when Rudolfo died. He was an intelligent man, able with both swords and pen. So the Alberecht, without further hesitation, gave the councilman’s position to him. Also, he made Nicholas a knight. To his coat of arms, Nicholas took a red cross on white field, with coat of arms of Siena on the upper right of the shield- to show where he came from; and Austria’s coat of arms in the lower left of the shield- to show where he belongs now.

By 1429, Austria’s relations with Mantua had slowly increased and were now close then ever. But Mantuans seemed to like their independence more then German states- though they were offered vassalization several times, they always refused.

In 1429, Burgundy decides to declare war on Geldre, bringing it’s ally England to war with them. Geldre asked help from Friesland and Münster. This war ends in 1430, with Geldre paying Burgundy some money. But his allies were not so successful: Friesland was annexed by England, Münster by Burgundy.

In 1430, Castille declares war on Granada. That was the end of reconquista- the last of Moorish stronghold in Europe fell in 1431. At least for a while.

War with Hungary

In 10th March, 1430, Hungary annexed Croatia. Feeling very strong, they decided to take on Venice next and sent formal declaration of war in 15th April, 1430. Mantua, Bavaria and Wurtemberg joined the war, naturally Austria as well. Austria had about 30 000 soldiers back then. Instead of going offensive, Nicholas that that was not enough for a full-scale war and demanded that Austrian troops will stay and protect the homelands.

Right he was as well: about 30 000 Hungarians slipped through front lines and laid siege on Ostmarch. Austria’s army took his first defeat in 9th September 1430, in Battle of Ostmarch. It seems like Hungarians had gotten some more reinforcements from Siebenbürgen as well, and they outnumbered Austrians nearly 2:1. The army was missing about 10 000 man, though Hungarian losses were heavy as well. But they continues to siege the province and only god knows what would have happened if there wasn’t extremely harsh winter in that province.

In November, another thing happened that gave Austrians a chance to gain an edge in the battle: land technology increased to 2, giving them a small advantage in the field of battle.

In 15th February 1431 Austrian forces, all rested and reinforced with couple of thousand troops, fight the weary forces of Hungary next to the walls of the city. This time, Austrians were successful and Hungarians were driven out of the province, inflicting heavy casualities upon them. But another 5000 Austrians were lost in this battle as well.

Nicholas ordered Imperial army to defend the Ostmarch. Entire spring and summer, small Siebenbürgen troops harasses Austria’s troops, but without any big results. Then, in late autumn, a hell broke loose. 3 waves of Hungarian forces attacked the Imperial army, first one with 10 000 man (battle 3 November), second one with 15 000 man (battle in 3th December) and finally with another 15 000 man n 19th December. By the time of the last battle, Austrians were not capable of any resistance- too many have died, too many wounded, most survivors were exhausted. There was nothing Nicholas could do- the forces just retreated, leaving Ostmarch open for enemy, who naturally started siege of the city.

But this shows the real genius of Nicholas- Austria’s main army was routed (well, Austria’s only army to be more precise), coffers were practically empty and the country was an easy takeover for Hungarian troops. But in that desperate situation, Nicholas did spread rumors of 40 000 army, consisting both Austrian elite troops and troops of our allies, was approaching Ostmarch. Well, it was about right- 500 of Austria’s light cavalry moved around the province, pretending to be an advancing force of the main army. Only 39 500 man short, but who’s counting? Not the Hungarians for sure: they accepted peace in 7th January 1432, with Austria forced to give 25 ducats for peace. Everyone agrees that Austria signed a good deal. War between Venice and Hungary drags on until 1435, when Venice makes peace with Hungary, paying them 36 ducats. Mantua signs a separate peace treaty in June 1432, gaining 19 ducats from Hungarians.

Meanwhile in the world: Ottoman Empire has declared war on Byzantium in 11th October 1430 and Byzantines were annexed in 25th June 1431. Unluckily for Turks, it was the Teke who took the city.

Last years of Alberecht

In 1433, another attempt to vassalize Mantua was made. Unsuccessful again.

In 10th January 1433, Scotland declares war on Burgundy. England joins on the side of Burgundy, while France, Auvergne, Savoy and Helvetia help the Scottish. War rages on for years, but in the end, Burgundy and England are unsuccessful. Burgundy has to give Franche-Comte to Savoy in 1436 and France takes Flanderen, Artois and Lorraine in from them in 1438. England also looses 3 French provinces in 1437.

Nicholas seemed to be quite stubborn in the matters concerning Mantua. After several gifts and letters, in 3th December 1436, Mantua finally is vassalized by Austria.

Another diplomatic victory is achieved just one day later, in 4th December 1436- Wurtemberg gives up it’s independence and becomes part of Austria.

In 1438, war between Castille and Algiers ends- they had been at war since 1430, when Spain declared war on Granada. Now Castille gains a province named Orania in the Northern Africa.

In 1439, Albrecht dies and Ladislas Postumus takes the throne. Mostly thanks to Nicholas and Rudolfo’s diplomacy, he was elected as the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Also, he agreed to give Nicholas a position as his chief advisor.

Thank you all.
But Sharur, i don't know about screenies... are they allowed or not. If i see Johan or Patric, i'll ask them.

Ladislas Postumus

The new king

As told before, Ladislas Postumus rose to the throne in 1439 and was elected the emperor as well. Nicholas Hjargini became his chief advisor. From the first days of his rule, Nicholas and Ladislas worked very close. In fact, on 3 January 1439, they put down one set of rules that every Austrian king followed to the present date- Austria must remain a honourable country. Never must it’s reputation drop below respectable, and if it’s as low as respectable, there must be a delay until the reputation becomes honourable again. Also, these rules included agreements between Rudolfo Hjargini and Alberecht. This definitely slowed down Austria’s expansion, but thanks to it, Austria remained free from most of the wars and therefore allowed peaceful growth.

The state policy remained the same: slow expansion, with making vassals in both Germany and Italy. Also, both Ladislas and Nicholas agreed that Austria could use another set of strong allies and neighbours: Bohemia and Hungary. Both are unluckily in another alliances, but nevertheless, an occasional gift or two to them would keep our relations as high as possible, so they would not attack Austria and Austria could always collect them in their alliance.

As for domestic policies, Austria continued to be more offencive, leaning heavily towards land technology and quality and also towards centralized government and innovativeness. Of course, these changes would take some time.

Further expansion

In April 1439, Navarra’s king swears his loyalty to Castille and is now a vassal of that country. Just one month after that, Moors from Granada regained their independence, only controlling a province of Gibraltar though. Portugal, Aragon, Castille and Navarra all joined to get them, but Granada managed to get some allies from North African countries- Algiers, Morocco and Fez join on their side after some time. Still, the allies can’t do much and after about one year, in July 1440, Portugal once again annexes Granada.

In January 1440, Hungary declares war to Serbia. Serbs have no allies, but Hungary gets Luxembourgh, Siebenbürgen and Poland to join their war. Still, it seems like sometimes bravery counts as well: Serbs get away with paying about 50 gold to Hungarias.

In April 1, 1441, Austria convinces another country to join their alliance: Baden, a small one-province nation in Germany. After that, Nicholas sends a lot of gifts, hoping to convince them of vassal status. As usual they declined several times and they eyes of Ladislas did not see it happening.

Also, in 8th April, 1441, Bavaria finally decided to join Austria. After several countless proposals, these two nations are one now. Naturally, the peasants didn’t like it, so 30 000 Bavarian troops will be kept there alongside with reinforcements from Austria in order to dispatch rebels quickly.

Nicholas Hjargini was 34 years old by 1441 and still single. The Emperor himself decided to change that and find a suitable bride for him. After giving it a lot of though, Emperor decided that countess Mathilda von Sturm, a beautiful 21-years old orphan with lot of land in Baden. A good deal, especially since von Strum was from the old noble family, while Nicholas was an upstart. Well, the couple lived happily ever after- with a couple of fights naturally- and produces 3 sons and 4 daughters in the progress. The oldest son, Rudolf (born in 1445), followed his father’s footsteps, the middle one, Heinrich (born in 1447), became a general and the youngest one, Matthias (born in 1448), was soon an archbishop in Vienna. All 4 daughters were married to important man of Austria, thus improving position of Hjargini family.

In 1442, Naples became vassals of Aragon.

Ottoman wars

In 12th August 1444, Venice declared war on Ottoman Empire. Austria joined the war, but decided not to spend any troops there, so the main battle was left for Venice. Nicholas supported them from time to time with money though. Venice was sometimes successful, sometimes unsuccessful, but the war ended within couple of years, with Venice paying 40 ducats to Turks.

But Venice was not the only one to attack Ottomans: Poland, Lithuania, Hungary, Castille, Aragon- even the Pope- decided to try their luck with them. To everyone’s surprise, Ottomans managed to survive the onslaught. But during those times, one thing was sure: there always was one nation at war with Ottoman empire.

In 8th March 1444, Provance had declared war on Brittany. The latter stood alone, but Provance brought France, Scotland, Cyprus, Helvetia and Bosnia to this war. War was over in just one year: in September 1445, a peace is signed, with France gaining Bretagne and Armor. With the conquests from Burgundy and England, and diplomatically annexing several countries, France has become a major nation in Europe, both strong and rich. It seemed like part of Nicholas’s diplomacy was to avoid any conflict with them at that time.

In 1446, Castille made peace with Morocco- leader of the former Granada alliance- gaining provinces of Sahara and Anti-Atlas from them. Castille’s expansion in North-Africa continues, they hold 3 provinces there now.

In 1447, Auvergne became vassal of France and Kleves vassal of Palatinat.

In 1450, relations between Castille and Aragon took a serious hit when Aragon cancelled vassalization she had with Castille. Nicholas took an opportunity and made a royal marriage with Aragon soon after they broke free.

In 1451, King of Provance died and France succeeds the country. They are growing even stronger and are a bit ahead in land technology.

In 1452, Genua annexes Modena and Hungary Siebenbürgen. Another 2 countries off the world map and Hungary grows even stronger.

End of Ladislas's reign

Following years were quiet for Austria, but not for Europe. Small wars and huge wars all over the continent, but not much changed: usually opposing forces came to a monetary agreement and rarely did the provinces change hands. Ottoman empire still was a popular target among the other nations and a popular story from that time says that Turks had to hire a lot of extra scribes in order to keep some order with their peace treaties.

In 1456, Burgundy- still not recovered from last defeat from France, decided to give it up and became vassals of England.

In 1457, a lot of nations suddenly wanted to have more independence in their way of life. Naples cancelled vasslization with Aragon, Prussia cancelled one with Lithuania, Navarra one with Castille and finally Milan the one with Genoa. Nicholas quickly signed a royal marriage with Milan and also several gifts, hoping to gain them in Austria’s alliance soon.

In 17th November 1457, Muscowy declared war on Novgorod. It was their third war and the previous ones have reduced Novgorod to single province. Denmark joined to help Novgorodians out, while Muscowy had Lithuania and Teutonic Order at their side.

In 25th November 1457, Ladislas Postumus died and Friedrich V took the throne. He was also elected as an Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and also kept Nicholas Hjargini as his chief advisor. And an able diplomat he was as well.

Friedrich V

Friedrich V

With Friedrich V, the diplomacy of Austria increased a lot, diplomats going around the Europe all the time. With Nicholas, though already 50 years old, still remained chancellor of the Emperor.

In January 1458, Würzburg, a nation just north of Austria, became a vassal of another neighbour, Bohemia.

In March 1459, Burgundy declared war on Cologne. They called their allies English to help them out, but it turned out that Cologne and their allies: France, Scotland, Cyprus and Auvergne, were more powerful then they expected. With Scots disturbing English from the North, England couldn’t much help Burgundy and was forced to leave his holdings in France undefended. In 1464, England signed a peace with France, giving away Calais, Poitou and Kent. Just a year later Burgundy was forced to cede Zeeland to France, who now is definitely a dominant power in the Western Europe.

Another war breaks out in 1459, with Muscowy declaring war on Pskov. And again peace resolution came in 1464, with Pskov giving up Tver and Ingermaland. Muscowy now is considered strongest of small Russian countries.

But for Austria, first years under Friedrich’s rule were good. Mantua was annexed in 1459, followed by vassalization of Baden in 1460.

Eastern wars

In 19th May 1460, Venice declared war on Al Koyunly, bringing the whole of Austria’s alliance to war. On the opposite side were also Ottoman Empire, Golden Horde, Tunisia and Aden. Quite an opposition, but Austria didn’t send any of it’s troops to this of the following wars, leaving the main fighting to only Venice. First one was totally unsuccessful, with Turks occupying all Venice’s provinces in Balkan and siegeing Venice, but in smart move of diplomacy, Venice bribed Al Koyunly for peace and left Turkey with nothing. This happened in 1465.

In 1462, Nicholas made another successful diplomatic move, bringing Milan to Austria’s alliance. Former vassal of Genoa became vassal of Austria in 1463, strengthening Austria’s position in Italy.

Another war, between Bosnia and Albania, came to an end in 1465. Unfortunately no records have survived about the beginning of this war, but results are: Kosovo to Albania, Bosnia becomes a vassal.

In 1466, Scotland became vassals of France. Also, in the same year, Austria’s infrastructure was increased to level 3.

In 1467, Austria made a huge diplomatic effort and Nicholas managed to convince Hungarians to join Austria’s alliance. Together with Venice and Hungary, Austria is for sure to become a dominant nation in Europe.

But all good news come with bad ones. Nicholas and his oldest son Rudolf, were on their way to Budapest to sign a treaty, were ambushed by robbers and were slain as well. Next of the Hjargini dynasty, Heinrich, took over the position as counsellor of the Emperor. Heinrich was 20 years old then and already considered a good general, but he lacked the finesse of his father in diplomatic battlefields. Still, Friedrich and Heinrich together got along just fine, with Friedrich concentrating on diplomacy and Heinrich in military matters.

Heinrich Hjargini

Next year, Heinrich got married, once again with the blessing of the Emperor. His bride was Maria von Wittelsbach, a 41-year old hag, but she was rich and had owned a lot of land. The same year, Heinrich changed his family name to von Hjargchin, making it more comfortable for Austrians to pronounce it.

Next years of Heinrich’s reign were quiet ones. Nothing much happened, but Austria became rich enough to build a fine arts academy in Vienna, attracting students from all over Europe to study there.

In 26th July 1470, Heinrich achieved his first diplomatic victory. Baden joined Austria permanently, and another victory came in 1472, when he managed to convince Bohemia to join Austria’s alliance.

Following years saw quite a few changes in the world, naming all the wars would be tiresome, so I just name the bigger results: Ryazan annexed by Golden Horde in 1471, Holstein gaining Kola from Novgorod, Brittany annexed by Auvergne, Geldre vassals of England, same applies for Oldenburg, Lithuania taking Ryazan from Golden Horde.

First event worth mentioning happened in 1476, 4th June to be more precise. Maximillian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy were wed in a lavish ceremony and almost all of Burgundy became Austrian possession. There wasn’t much left though: Habsburgs gained Holland, Alsace and Münster. Only province connected to the capital was Alsace. Still, better then nothing. And with Mary of Burgundy claiming several provinces occupied by the French, so is Austria. Sooner or later these two strong nations would have to clash.

In the meanwhile, Austria signed military access pacts with both Gelre and Palatinat in order to gain access to northern provinces. It was necessary as well: people of Müster were already revolting when Austrian troops marched into that province. Imagine the surprise of rebels when they though that closest Austrian troops were thousand kilometres away.

Also in 1476, Castille claimed the name of Spain to themselves, followed by marriage of Isabelle and Fernando just one year later, Aragon once again becoming vassals of Spain.

In 1477, Muscowy declared war on Novgorod. First had Lithuania, Teutonic Order and Poland to aid them, the latter stood alone. War ended next year, with Lithuania annexing the poor nation.

In 1478, Hannover declared war on Oldenburg, bringing their allies Mecklenburg, Pommern and Magdeburg in as well, Oldenburg seeking help from England and Gelre. Hannover is extremely successful in this war: annexing Oldenburg by 1479 and in 10th July 1481 Gelre as well. The latter was a mistake.

In 1478, Austria’s land tech reached 4

First war

Thanks to Mary of Burgundy, Gelre was considered Austrian territory and Hannover annexing that made both Heinrich and Friedrich very angry. Fresh troops were sent to Münster and in 6th October 1481, Austria declared war on Hannover. All his allies: Milan, Bohemia, Hungary and Venice, joined the war. Hannover bought Mecklenburg, Pommern and Magdeburg to the field of battle.

10 000 infantry recruited from Holland marched to siege Geldre while main, 30 000 man army (20 000 infantry, 10 000 cavalry) waited in Münster. Siege of Geldre begun in 26th November. Hannover’s troops attacked Austria’s Imperial Army in Münster in 27th January 1482. About 20 000 Hannover’s troops, backed up by 5000 of their allies troops, were routed and more then 17 000 lost in the field of battle. Austria only lost a 1000 troops. Heinrich then split up the army and leaded one part to siege Hannover while another was in their way to Oldenburg. Sieges of both provinces started in March.

In 11th January 1483, Hannover fell, followed by Geldre in March and Oldenburg in April. Then came out a factor that Heinrich failed to see before: Hannover also controlled English Bremen. Well, nothing much to do then. Heinrich ordered Austrian troops to help the English to siege Bremen and in 4th December, the city fell, leaving Hannover with no land to call their own.

In 8th December, Venice started yet another war against Ottomans, we joined, as did the rest of our alliance. With Hungary, Venice and Bohemia all going after Turks, there was no need for Austria to send his troops to help them further. War ends with nothing gained or lost.

In 3 January, 1884, a peace was signed between Hannover and Austria. Hannover had to give up both Geldre and Oldenburg, also to give all their treasury to Austria. First war that Austria started was over, and successfully.

Heinrich’s wife Maria died in 1884, and a sigh of relief passed throughout the country. Heinrich married Maria’s much younger sister, a nice girl with good looks and good manners. The couple had a only one son, Albert (born in 1485)- after Heinrich fell down from his horse, he couldn’t get anymore children. Albert, as Heinrich, was more trained in arts of military then diplomacy.

Final years of Friedrich V

After the war is over, Heinrich uses his extra money and all savings of Austria to build a refinery in Steiermark. Construction ends after 2 years. Another refinery came with Geldre, so Austria has 3 manufactories now.

In August 1486, as a shock to entire Europe, Poland agrees to be vassals of Lithuania.

In 2th July, Teke declared war on Hungary. Venice and Hungary handled the affair without need from Austria to intervene: Hungary captured Thrace, while Venice took Antalya. But since Venice made separate peace, gaining some ducats, Hungary was unable to move towards any other Teke’s provinces and war ended with a stalemate.

In 1490, Palatinat annexed Kleves while Mecklenburg became vassals of England. Also in 1490, Austrias land tech increased to 5.

In 1491, Austria expanded their influence in Italy, annexing Milan.

In 1492, Austria’s trade tech increased to 3. Austria is developed country, but several other countries- including France- are much more advanced in military matters. Still, Austria is strong with it’s 2-4-3 leaders and high morale of troops. Austria’s naval tech remains lacking at the best though.

Maximilian I (part 1)

A new Monarch

In 21th August 1493, Friedrich V dies. His successor is Maximilian I. Elections are quickly called and everything seems to be in order. But, totally unexpected to both Heinrich and Maximilian, German princes prefer Ferdinand of Spain as their new Emperor, perhaps in order to slow Austria’s expansion. That is wrong, but apparently there is nothing either of them could do about it. All is to wait until Ferdinand dies and hope for a better luck in next elections.

Heinrich, now 46 years old, continues as a counsellor of Maximilian. It seems to be a tradition already that there is von Hjarchin standing next to every king of Austria.

Maximilian is even more able diplomat then Friedrich, but not so able in administrative and military matters.

In September 1494, people of Novgorod declare their independence from Lithuania and declare war on them. Lithuanian alliance crumbles and only Poles remain faithful. That means Palatinat is available and looking for new alliances, and since Austria is always ready to accept new German nations to his alliance, two nations come to an agreement quickly. It’s harder to convince Palatinat to become vassals, and after giving it a few shots, Heinrich decides to leave them be for a while.

War between Novgorod and Lithuania ends with white peace. Meanwhile, another small nation- Moldavia- declares it’s independence from Golden Horde, war also ending in white peace.

In 1495, Austria’s land tech increases to 6.

In 1497, Venice declares war on Ottomans again. As usual, Austria only gives moral support, but this time Hungary is more successful, making Ottomans to give them province of Rumelia in peace settlement in 1499.

In 1st January 1499, an able general named von Frundsberg, comes to serve Austria. He is truly a genius- with good knowledge in both fire tactics and shock phase, but with one thing that makes him very special to Austria- he knows how to commence siege warfare.

Both Maximilian and Heinrich start thinking that it’s a waste to use general of this kind against worthless rebels, besides Austria has claims over several provinces in Netherlands, including a rich CoT in Flanders. After arguing a bit, they come to agreement to wait a few years until Austria introduces firearms to it’s arsenal- it is certain that without them, Austria wouldn’t stand a chance against France.

In 1501, a new CoT was opened in Andalusia and Savoy became vassals of France.

In 1501, Maximilian achieves his first diplomatic victory: convincing Bohemia to become Vassal of Austria was a thing that Friedrich was never able to do, though god knows he tried.

First French-Austrian war

Austria’s military technology was advancing rapidly, gaining level 7 in 1501, level 8 and level 9 in 1502. Now Austria’s land tech level was almost equal to France and it was a perfect time to strike. Troops were positioned in strategic places- nearly 50 000 troops waiting in Alsace and 40 000 in Geldre. Additional 20 000 were stationed in Lombardia in case France’s allies attack from there. Since Austria and France had royal marriage, Austria could see number and position of French troops. It seems like they had about 100 000, but they were scattered all over the country.

In 27th December, 1502, Austria declared war on France. His allies Palatinat, Bohemia, Venice and Hungary joined the war, while France bought Savoy, Genoa, Knights, Cologne and Holstein to this war.

Von Frundsberg took command of Austria’s troops stationed in Alsace and leaded the first battles there. France had decided to use Alsace as a gateway to Austria’s land and troops in this province were under attack all the time.

First battle was fought in 28th February, with a small French force, followed by another small army in 3rd March and then the French main army in 4th April. Austria’s troops held on tight, both sides losing about 10 000 man, but Frundsberg giving Austria edge in the battle.

Meanwhile, Palatinat has started siege of Zeeland, another French army was siegeing Pfalz and Austria’s army in Lombardia was under attack by several smaller Savoian and Genoese armies.

War is not only fighting, but is diplomacy as well. The lessons French learned painfully when Austria signed first Status Quo peaces: with Cologne, Genoa and Holstein in 16th April, and with Knights and Savoy in 24th April.

In 21st May and 5th June, Austria won another 2 battles in Alsace. After that there didn’t seem to be much French troops left and von Frundsberg took 1000 of his loyal cavalry and travelled north where Ausria’s Netherlands Army was starting siege of Flanders in 22th June. In August, von Frundsberg arrived there and took over the siege.

In July; Palatinat captured Zeeland from France.

Alsace was still the main battlefield of the war and French continued to send their troops in. Next battles were fought in 23th July, 9th Augus, 28th August, 29th September and 14th October. In September, Austria was forced to send it’s Lombardian army to the rescue, for there was only 20 000 man left. Also, recruitment of new troops begun in order to make up huge losses.

In 22th December, Flanders falls to Austrian troops and von Frundsberg continues towards Picardie, siege of it starts in 27th January 1504. Now France turns his attention towards Flanders and tries to retake that province, but since battles of Alsace have worn them quite dry, there is nothing much they can do. Half of Netherlands Army guards Flanders while von Frundsberg continues taking provinces from France.

Picardie falls in 27th April, next target is Calais. Several battles occur between Frundsberg’s troops and French relief forces, but luckily Frundsberg proves his reputation as a great commander and wins every last battle France force him to. But his runs out of troops and must take several reinforcements from army in Flanders. Since Austria’s monetary situation isn’t that good anymore, no extra troops can be produces as well. Through difficulties, von Frundsberg finally takes Calais in 24th February 1505.

Meanwhile France has takes Pfalz from Palatinat in August 1504 and forces them to white peace. About 20 000 French advance to Alsace, where they are beaten once again. But since all Austria’s troops are occupied in French War, rebels in Lombardia and Mantua use the situation and take over fortresses there.

In May 1505, von Frundsberg tries to siege Ile-de-France, but several small French attacks force him to retreat due to the lack of troops. Rebels in south start to get worrisome as well, and both Maximilian and Heinrich decide that Austria has had enough from this war. Besides, Austria has clearly won the war as well (about 30% due to provinces taken and 60% due to battles in peace agreement- together 92%, though Flanders is worth 40%).

In 4th September, a Heinrich signs a peace with France in Salzburg, France giving Austria Flanders and all the money they have.

This was the biggest war fought in Europe so far- and the bloodiest. Austria lost nearly 2/3 of their troops and exhausted their treasury, but Flanders was a worth the price.

After the war, Palatinat was in even bigger disarray- they had about 4000 troops left and apparently no money to recruit new ones. Maximilian takes advantage of the situation and in March 2, 1506, Palatinat becomes vassal of Austria.