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How did Louis XI use diplomacy to weaken the allies of Charles the Bold?

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Louis XI employed a calculated strategy of diplomacy, bribery, and political maneuvering to isolate Charles the Bold by systematically detaching his allies. His efforts included:

  • Neutralizing Brittany: In 1468, Louis invaded Brittany, successfully forcing Francis II to abandon his alliance with the Burgundian duke.1
  • Undermining England: Louis attempted to weaken the Anglo-Burgundian alliance by supporting the House of Lancaster against Edward IV. Although this initially failed, he eventually secured the defection of his English rival through the Treaty of Picquigny in 1475.12
  • Building Coalitions: Louis subsidized the Swiss confederates and RenĂ© II of Lorraine to wage war against Charles, creating a military front that ultimately led to the duke's defeat and death at Nancy in 1477.12
  • Buying Off Allies: When faced with a coalition of enemies, Louis frequently utilized his wealth to buy off Charles’s supporters or concluded truces to break up hostile alliances.1