How did Louis XI respond to the Anglo-Burgundian alliance?
Louis XI responded to the Anglo-Burgundian alliance through a combination of diplomatic maneuvering, military pressure, and financial incentives to isolate his enemies.
When Charles the Bold allied with Edward IV and Francis II, Louis initially attempted to weaken the coalition by invading Brittany to detach Francis from the alliance. Following his humiliation at the interview of PĂ©ronne, he sought to undermine the Anglo-Burgundian partnership by supporting the House of Lancaster against Edward IV, though this effort failed after the Lancastrian defeat in 1471.1
When Edward IV landed a powerful army at Calais in 1475, Louis avoided direct military confrontation. Instead, he met Edward at Picquigny, where they established a seven-year truce. Louis secured Edwardâs withdrawal by paying him 75,000 gold ecus, followed by an annual pension. By buying off Charlesâs allies and subsidizing the Swiss and the Duke of Lorraine to fight the Burgundians, Louis successfully dismantled the alliance, ultimately leading to the destruction of Burgundian power.21