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How did Francis I prepare France for his first campaign in Italy?
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Francis I
King Francis I of France, portrait by Pierre Dumonstier, after a drawing by Jean Clouet; in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris.
To prepare for his first campaign in Italy, Francis I took several strategic steps to secure his position and resources:
- Military Foundation: He inherited an army already prepared by his predecessor, Louis XII, for the reconquest of the Duchy of Milan.1
- Diplomatic Security: Francis ensured peace with his neighboring countries to avoid threats while his forces were occupied abroad.1
- Administrative Regency: He entrusted the regency of France to his mother, Louise of Savoy, allowing him to focus on the military expedition.1
- Strategic Alliance: He formed an alliance with Venice to bolster his military strength for the invasion.2
Once these preparations were complete, Francis led his forces across the Alps using the previously unexploited Col de l’Argentière to surprise his opponents, ultimately leading to his victory at the Battle of Marignano.2