Quadrumvirate: City States of the Italian Renaissance

JHUMUNC
Quadrumvirate: City States of the Italian
Renaissance - Duchy of Milan
JHUMUNC 2016
1
JHUMUNC
Committee Overview
Topic A: Distributing political power in Milan
Topic B: Expanding Milan’s Control over the peninsula
Quadrumvirate: City States of the Italian Renaissance - Duchy of Milan
Set in 1450 after the abolishment of the Golden Ambrosian Republic, this Quadrumvirate
committee will focus on the internal and foreign issues that affected the land-locked Duchy of
Milan at the height of the Italian Renaissance. The Duchy of Milan represents one of the richest
and most powerful city-states in all of the Italian region. It is a gem in northern Italy that must be
preserved and developed in order for it to stay relevant in Italian politics. In order for this to
happen, delegates of this committee will have to deal with the growing political instability that
was only inevitable after the abolishment of the Ambrosian Republic. Restoring the Duchy of
Milan has brought up numerous political and economic challenges that delegates must address.
Then, the state of Milanese foreign affairs will be discussed and labored upon. Although a
member state of the Holy Roman Empire, Milan faces looming threats from the Venetians, and
French. The committee must come together to come up with solutions to these threats as well as
ways of possibly expanding its power and glory to new heights. If this committee is successful,
when classrooms in the future learn about the politics during the Italian Renaissance they will
speak of the great Duchy of Milan.
Delegate Biographies
Francesco Sforza, Head of State
The leader of the Sforzeschi, a group of mercenaries led by the Sforza family. He is the
son of the first Sforza, Muzio Attendolo, a great military tactician. Sforza eventually, through
2
JHUMUNC
multiple battles and switching alliances, became the Duke of Milan. Although he had gained the
Duchy militarily, he focused the political and social aspects of his rule. i
Bianca Maria Visconti, Duchess of Milan
The illegitimate daughter of Filippo Maria Visconti, was betrothed to Francesco Sforza at
age 8. Bianca was able to securely preserve the city of Cremona from Venice during the reign of
the Golden Ambrosian Republic. Originally a politically charged marriage, Bianca Maria and
Sforza were deeply in love and Sforza always accepted Bianca Maria’s advice. ii
Carlo Gozanga, Former Head of Government and Lord of Sabbioneta
Former head of police and the Lord of Sabbioneta, who in the absence of a strong
centralized Ambrosian Republic, took control of Milan and essentially became a Milanese
dictator. During his reign, he either imprisoned or killed those who disagreed with him, most
notable of which was the slaughter of multiple members of the Ghibelline family. He was
strongly opposed to the ascension of Francesco Sforza to the position of Duke. iii
Jacopo Antiquario, Secretary for Ecclesiastical Affairs
Jacopo Antiquario served as a personal secretary to the Dukes of Milan. His job,
although, mostly consisted of overseeing ecclesiastical appointments throughout Milan. iv He
viewed Sforza as a god-like father figure. From his youth in a School of Divinity, he always
seeked a career in Ecclesiastical Affairs. Rumors were circulated that appointments were made
through the wealth of families, rather than piety or merit.
Giorgio Lampugnano, Secret Council Member
Lampugnano was a professor at the College of Jurisprudence and one of the original four
founders of the Golden Ambrosian Republic. When Carlo Gozanga had effectively taken control
of Milan, Lampugnano had worked with the Ghibelline Families to bring Sforza to power. v
3
JHUMUNC
Lampugnano is Sforza’s ally contingent on his opinion being considered in Sforza’s cabinet, as
Lampugnano sees himself as the purveyor and the pure, distilled embodiment of democracy.
Bartolomeo Calco, Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Bartolomeo Calco serves as the Duchess’s Secretary, but after an internal power struggle
soon became the secretary of the Secret Council. His job was to essentially serve as the middle
man between the Duke and the rest of the government, effectively serving as another personal
advisor to Sforza. vi Calco was considered to be a political manipulator and a savvy and cunning
negotiator.
Gaspare de Vimercate, Advisor
A soldier who was able to defend Crema from Venice as well as a champion of Sforza’s
quest to become Duke. Vimercate is an influential citizen who supported Sforza from his first
day as the ruler of Milan. Through Vimercate’s championship and influencing of the Milanese
people, Sforza was successfully able to become the Duke of Milan. It now falls upon
Vimercate’s shoulders to see Sforza either fail or succeed. vii
Filippo Borromeo, Personal Advisor to Sforza
Filippo Borromeo comes from a wealthy and influential merchant family.viii Filippo’s
father, Vitaliano, established strong relations with the former Duke of Milan - Filippo Maria
Visconti - and acquired land and respect, even becoming Visconti’s treasurer. Filippo has
inherited power, control of his family’s banking business (that he expanded to London, Bruges,
and Barcelona), and the utmost gratitude from Sforza. Sforza used the castle that Vitaliano built,
Peschiera Borromeo, as a base during his siege of Milan, and felt deeply indebted to the family
on the occasion of his victory. ix Filippo has extensive relations through his business “Filippo
Borromei & Co.” with other Italian banking companies in Florence and Venice. x
4
JHUMUNC
Luisino Bossi, Influential Aristocrat
Luisino Bossi is a Ghibelline who has been recently brought back to Milan by Francesco
Sforza to act as an advisor. While Milan was under control of the Ambrosian republic, Bossi
was ousted from the city for supporting Sforza by the dominating Guelphs. As a member of an
old Milanese family, Bossi is a member of prominence and wealth within the city and wants to
maintain his position of power. xi
Giovanni da Bellinzona, Secretary for Civil Justice
Giovanni da Bellinzona is another one of Sforza’s hand-picked secretaries; he has been
chosen to act as a chief of staff on Sforza and filter out Sforza’s rivals from becoming part of his
cabinet. It is up to Bellinzona to determine a new structure of justice within the Duchy of Milan
and make sure that laws are fair and enacted accordingly. xii Bellinzona, indebted to Sforza for
allowing him to serve as a Secretary, will always be loyal to Sforza.
Jacopo Terufino, Secretary for Finance
As Secretary for Finance of Milan, Jacopo Terufino is charged with repairing the tax
situation within the state and devising a way to keep track of the income and monetary affairs. xiii
This is especially important since the Ambrosian Republic burned all tax books leading to a poor
system of taxation of the local towns during their three-year interim government. Now, the new
Duchy of Milan must find a way to generate income for the army as well as internal
affairs. Terufino has been selected as Secretary for Finance by Sforza, and is expected to
translate Sforza’s ideas into action. xiv
Bartolomeo Colleoni, Army Commander
Bartololomeo Colleoni is an accomplished condotierre (mercenary) who is currently
serving Milan. Colleoni does not have a happy history with the Duke of Milan; when he was a
5
JHUMUNC
child, Colleoni’s father was murdered by Fillipo Maria Visconti and, fearing Bortoleomeo may
be disloyal, was imprisoned by Fillipo Maria from 1446-1447. A skilled army commander,
Colleoni served in the Venetian army from 1432 - 1441, but became a member of the Milanese
army in 1441 when a peace was reached between the two city states. He served the Ambrosian
Republic under Sforza after his release from prison in 1447, but changed allegiance back to
Venice in 1448. Feeling under-valued in the Venetian army, Colleoni returned to Milan;
however, the Venetians suffered a severe loss at his leave and are offering him increased salaries
if he decides to revert back to their ranks.
Niccolo Piccinino, Prominent Italian Condottiere
Born to a butcher in 1386 in Callisciana, Perugia, Piccinino rose to great fame as a
soldier. Supposedly very small (piccinino) he was a fearsome fighter. He first fought on behalf
Braccio da Montone, later taking over da Montone’s group of mercenaries upon his death in
1424. He fought with Francesco Sforza and then fought under the control of Duke Filippo Maria
Visconti of Milan. On behalf of the Duke he took over land controlled by the Church.
Additionally, he led Milan’s forces against the Venetians and defeated them at the Lake of
Garda. Piccinino was a condottiere, or “mercenary soldier,” which was a position of great
military honor. One of his surviving medals features Latin inscriptions detailing his title and the
family he worked for. Towards the end of his life he was defeated by the Florentines in Tuscany
in 1440. He later fought Francesco Sforza, who had changed sides once again, and was now
fighting for the pope and King Alfonso of Naples. Sforza and defeated Piccinino and captured
his son.
Francesco Piccinino, Prominent Italian Condottiero
6
JHUMUNC
The son of Niccolò Piccinino, Francesco was born in Perugia in 1449. He served the
Visconti family and was also a condottieri. Not as strong as his father, the younger Piccinino did
not have as many decisive victories and was defeated at several battles, including Montolmo,
after which his father died. He and his brother James joined the forces of the Ambrosian
Republic, which was created after Fillipo Maria Visconti’s death.
Luigi Bòssi, Ducal Counsellor
A priest, turned politician, Bòssi was born in Milan in the early 15th century. He was
heavily involved in writing and translating. He served as a journalist and was a member of the
Legislative Body of the First Cisalpina. Bossi opposed many of Sforza’s policies,(some say it
born out of jealousy) but was intensely loyal to his birthplace and was rumored to have had
romantic intentions towards Sforza’s wife.
Luigi san Severino, Secret Council Member
He was involved in wars on behalf of Milan, San Severino wanted to claim Novara in
northwest Italy, as his prize during the war against Lombardy. As a military man, he wields both
power and prestige and leads a group of soldiers. Although, he did not have many political
views, he was bellicose, willing to physically fight those who disagreed with him, especially on
military and territorial policy.
Oldrado Lampugnani, Secret Council Member
Active politically in Milan, Lampugnani was in an important figure in the Ambrosian
Republic, which lasted from 1447 to 1450. He was an expert on civil and canon law and worked
on behalf of Filippo Maria Visconti. After Visconti’s death, Lampugnani sided with Francesco
Sforza and was given the title of count and the appointment of Privy Councilor.
Guarnerio Castiglioni, Secret Council Member
7
JHUMUNC
Born to the powerful Castiglioni family in the late 14th century, Castiglioni became a
student of civil law in 1418 and later a lecturer in this field at the Pavia College of Lawyers. In
1428 Castiglioni left the field of education to pursue a career in diplomacy for the Duke of
Milan, in the midst of a war involving city-states Brescia, Venice, Florence, and Savoy.
Castiglioni worked not only with the Duke of Milan but other foreign heads, including the Pope,
to execute treaties and agreements with other warring Italian city-states.xv
Galeotto Toscani, Head of Local Neighborhood
Toscani was the appointed treasury general under Duke Filippo Maria Visconti and was
responsible for having formed the Ambrosian republic.xvi Toscani was fiscally conservative and
was more concerned for his personal wealth than that of his residents. Toscani was loyal to
whatever party had more power and was better for his personal finances.
Francesco Casati, Head of Local Neighborhood
Born in the first half of the 15th century to a noble Milanese family, Casati would later be
sworn as a Secret Chancellor. Casati was responsible for traveling to various city-states and
neighboring countries to witness treaty alliances and sign pacts on behalf of the Sforza house. xvii
Casati was fiercly loyal and an excellent negotiator. He never left a negotiation empty-handed.
Simone Meraviglia, Head of Local Neighborhood
The fourth in line as Head of Porta Vercellina, behind Vitaliano Borromeo, Guarnerio
Castiglione, and Giacomo Coiro.xviii Meraviglia enjoyed unparalleled prosperity under the rule of
Sforza and his Neighborhood was always loyal to Sforza, whether he was the ruler or not.
Meraviglia was a proud and stubborn man who believed in the greatness of Sforza.
Giovanni Caimi, Head of Local Neighborhood
8
JHUMUNC
Born to a noble Milanese family in the 15th century, Caimi was made Commissioner of
the Duchy of Milan by Francesco Sforza in 1450. xix A veiled critic of the House of Sforza,
Caimi would not openly debase Sforza, unless a convenient opportunity presented itself. Caimi
was a skilled merchant and learned in the art of bartering and taking advantage of ignorance.
Innocenza Cotta, Advisor
One of the founders of the Golden Ambrosian Republic, Cotta believed in the idea of
liberty over any sort of despotism that may be brought on a single ruler. xx He was a firm
supporter of democracy and a member of the College of Jurisprudence. Seeing the torture and
struggles of the Milanese people brought on by the rule of Carlo Gozanga, he felt personally
responsible for preventing abuses of power brought on by Sforza and was apathetic to who ruled
Milan.
9
JHUMUNC
Topic A: Distributing political power in Milan
Introduction
Before Sforza was welcomed into the city of Milan on February 26th 1450, and after
successfully inducing a famine on the Milanese people, the Ambrosian Republic had used
democracy to govern Milan. This was in contrast to how the Viscontis had ruled in the past and
to the perception of how Sforza would rule. Some background on the Ambrosian Republic and a
transition back to the Duchy of Milan is provided in more detail.
Historical Background
Ambrosian Republic (1447-1450)
On August 14th, 1447, Filippo Maria Visconti, the Duke of Milan, died and threw the
state of Milan into chaos. Out of this chaos, the Ambrosian republic was born. However, in
order to understand the Ambrosian republic’s ideals and goals, it is important to have some
historical context of the events leading up to the formation of this three-year interim government.
xxi
The death of Filippo Maria marked the end of the long reign of the Visconti family, who
controlled Milan from 1311 until 1447. Initially, the Visconti family assumed the role of signori
- feudal lords - but later acquired the title of dukedom from emperor Wenceslas of the Holy
Roman Empire in 1395. Under the Visconti rule, citizens of Milan had practically no political
freedom due to the Visconti’s despotic power, but enjoyed fair taxes, a strong economy, and a
10
JHUMUNC
heavy patronage of the arts. Milan was thriving. One leader, Giangaleazzo Visconti helped
Milan grow to be perhaps the most powerful state in Italy, by capturing territories such as
Novara, Parma, Piacenza, Cremona, Brescia, Verona, Pisa, Padua, Perugia, and others. Before
his untimely death, it is believed that Milan could have overthrown Florence as well. However
after Giangaleazzo’s successor, Gianmaria, took power, Milan lost many of its territories and the
government became corrupt and weak. Gianmaria was assassinated by nobility in 1412 as a
result of his disastrous rule. xxii
Filippo Maria emerged as the new leader following Gianmaria’s death. Far more cunning
and astute than his predecessor, Filippo Maria successfully governed the state. He managed to recapture many of the territories taken during Gianmaria’s reign using condottieri - mercenary
leaders hired by Italian city states. One condottiere employed by Filippo Maria was a man
named Francesco Sforza. Filippo recognized Sforza’s military strength and bought his loyalty by
marrying his illegitimate daughter Bianca Maria to Sforza, as well as giving him the cities
Cremona and Potremoli as dowry. However, although successful in many feats, Filippo Maria
failed to do one thing: upon his death, he had not assigned an heir. Thus, when he died on
August 14, 1447, many parties stepped in to contend for command of Milan. xxiii
Among these contenders for control over Milan were France, the kingdom of Aragon, the
Holy Roman Empire, Naples, and Francesco Sforza. Sforza believed he was entitled to the
duchy, as he was the son-in-law of Fillipo Maria. Alfonso, king of Naples, believed that Filippo
Maria had designated himself as the successor to the ducal seat of Milan. Each man thought
himself to be the best candidate for Filippo Maria’s vacant position. xxiv
Yet, the winner in this clash of power was none of those previously mentioned. The
successors turned out to be the people of Milan. Tired of the signorial government that had
11
JHUMUNC
existed for so many years, they decided to form their own government and take back their
political power. They chose to name their new government the Ambrosian republic to pay
respect to the patron saint of Milan, St. Ambrose. xxv
Structure of the Ambrosian Republic
The individuals comprising the new republic were of the upper class: primarily nobles,
lawyers, and businessmen. The principle leaders of the uprising were members of the College of
Jurisprudence, who longed to create a commune and eradicate all things associated with the
Visconti rule. xxvi
The leaders of the new republic were determined to structure their government differently
than that of the Visconti rule. They re-adapted the constitution that had existed when Milan was
simply a municipality. However, the constitution was outdated and needed much revision as
Milan had been under the command of the Visconti family for so long. xxvii
The Ambrosian Republic built upon the current governmental authority: the Council of
Nine Hundred which had existed during the Visconti rule, but had seldom been called to action.
xxviii
The Council was comprised of one hundred and fifty Milanese individuals from each of the
cities’ neighborhoods, demarked by the gates at their entrance, and was supposed to make
decisions regarding laws. However, the Council was ill-equipped to run the newly formed
Ambrosian republic, so a different committee was created. The Captains and Defenders of the
Liberty of Milan, as the committee was called, consisted of twenty four men - primarily from
prominent families in the city - and was charged with the responsibility to “rule, govern, and
defend the city in peace and war.” xxix
Guelphs and Ghibellines
12
JHUMUNC
The two factions of society that formed the Ambrosian Republic were the Guelphs and
the Ghibellines. xxx During the 1200 and 1300s, the titles of these two groups had denoted
allegiance either to the papacy – Guelphs – or to the German Holy Roman emperors –
Ghibellines. The groups were known throughout Europe.
Originally, the Guelphs were
comprised of middle-class merchants who desired a constitutional form of government. The
Ghibellines, on the other hand, represented the aristocratic members of society. These two
groups warred with each other for control over various city states as well as loyalty to the pope
or to the emperor. xxxi However, by the 15th century, the names Guelph and Ghibelline pertained
only to local factions within Italy as the papacy had relocated to France and the German
emperors no longer involved themselves in Italian affairs. xxxii
From the birth of the Ambrosian republic, the Guelphs and Ghibellines worked together
to create a cohesive government. However, these friendly relations did not last long. At the
beginning of 1448, the Guelphs won the election of the Captains and Defenders of Milan and
thus, were in control of the government. The Guelphs did not feel comfortable with Sforza’s
power - at this time, he was fighting other city-states on behalf of the republic - and wished to
take away some of his influence. The Ghibellines, however, believed that Sforza should become
the leader of Milan. In order to crush dissent within the government, the Guelphs tortured,
killed, and banished many of the Ghibellines, ultimately leading to their oppressive control over
Milanese politics.xxxiii
It is important to recognize that political factions were a cause of strife and a weak
government for Milan during the three years that the Ambrosian republic existed. How could an
individual be loyal to Milan when their true loyalty laid with their faction, whether it be Guelph
13
JHUMUNC
or Ghibelline? Partisan politics plagued the Ambrosian republic and caused many internal
problems.
Wars with Venice
In 1447, with the government set up and established, it seemed that Milan could thrive
once more. However, the Ambrosian republic faced many problems that would hinder its power
greatly. Firstly, there were the huge debts collected during Fillipo Maria’s rule. Secondly, the
smaller cities with Milan did not accept the Ambrosian republic as the governing force within the
state. Some declared independence, while others defected to Venetian control.
xxxiv
The
Ambrosian republic was left with little money when they could no longer collect taxes from the
deserting cities. Thirdly, there was the ongoing war with Venice, as Venice had captured Pavia,
Lodi, and Piacenza, posing a huge threat to the stability of the new government. The Ambrosian
republic pleaded with Venice to stop its attacks and leave Milan alone, but their requests were
ignored. At one point, the Ambrosian government sent diplomatic envoys to try to negotiate
peace, but Venice would not listen; Venice was going to take advantage of the weakened state of
Milan. xxxv
Venice was the most problematic foe that the Ambrosian republic faced, simply because
they were determined to destroy Milan. The wars with Venice, thus, foretold whether Milan’s
future would be secure.
The Italian rivers were important strategic military locations - if one controlled the river,
they had an undeniably better chance of victory. The rivers allowed for easy and swift transport
of troops and provisions. Because of this, both Milan and Venice fought to claim the towns of
Piacenza, Cremona and Casalmaggiore, which were located along the banks of the River Po. In
1448, Sforza decided that his plan of action would be to reclaim Milanese territories through the
14
JHUMUNC
rivers. His strategy would prove successful. By mid-1448, Venice had lost an entire fleet of
seventy ships as well as Cremona and Casalmaggiore to Sforza. Piacenza would be recaptured at
a later point. xxxvi
Another important battle was the Battle of Caravaggio, in September of 1448. Here,
Sforza was again successful in his military tactics against the Milanese. The Venetians lost
many forces and were not able to recover their pride and strength, since this should have been a
victory for them. xxxvii
While Sforza fought against the Venetians, he was not exactly in favor of the Ambrosian
Republic. During Sforza’s siege of the town of Brescia, Venetian forces offered to pay him
13,000 ducats (coins) in exchange for his surrender at Brescia and other local towns. The
Venetians, in turn, would withdraw from Lodi. Sforza agreed to these terms, to the horror of the
Ambrosian republic. However, his treaty with Venice would prove to be beneficial for the peace
and safety of the region. All the territories Sforza had previously captured remained under
Milanese control, and he was able to move past the restricting, and even unappreciative at times,
grasp of the Ambrosian republic. Sforza would remain a condotierre and fight until his siege of
Milan in 1449. xxxviii
Sforza’s Victory
The Ambrosian Republic had turned to Sforza in their time of need, knowing that he had
the military ability to help them. It was of the utmost importance that Milan asserted its power
and ability to defend so that other city states did not attack and take advantage of them.
Throughout this internal struggle, Sforza successfully recaptured territories on behalf of
the Ambrosian republic, wielding his military power. Sforza - as well as the Ambrosian
Republic - knew that he had the ability to lay siege on Milan as well. So, when in 1449, the
15
JHUMUNC
Ambrosian republic forged a peace treaty with Venice without Sforza’s knowledge and sent
away his forces, Sforza decided to take revenge on the republic for their actions. xxxix He and his
forces blockaded the city to prevent any food or supplies from going in or out. Finally, on
February 26, 1450, the starving and dying people of Milan decided to allow Sforza to occupy the
city. Sforza fed the malnourished populace and then met with the male heads of households, and
they afforded him the title, Duke of Milan. xl
Bloc Positions
Guelphs
A family who supported Carlo Gozanga and was against the rule of Francesco Sforza.
The Guelphs will do anything in their power to prevent Sforza from enjoying the same privileges
and power as Visconti. The Guelphs, historically, supported the aristocracy and acted in favor of
their own interests.
Ghibellines
A family who, uncharacteristically, supported measures to remove Carlo Gozanga and
the Guelph family from power and aided Sforza in his ascension to the Duke. The Ghibellines
historically, supported democracy and represented the common man. They hope to positively
influence Sforza’s rule to support the common man and prevent tyranny.
Sforza’s Allies
They would like to see a more prosperous Milan and see Sforza as its savior, they support
his policies and his governing of Milan, but will always act in favor of what is best for Milan and
Sforza.
Sforza’s Enemies
16
JHUMUNC
This bloc conspires against Sforza and would like to remove Sforza from power at all
costs, hindering his progress at every opportunity.
Neutral
This bloc does not have a definitive view on the rule of Sforza, but in the event of a
political conflict, they will act in favor of the party most likely to succeed and control Milan,
even at the threat of treason.
Questions a Resolution Must Answer
1. What will the role of Florence and Cosmo de Medici be in the Sforza regime?
2. How will the Guelphs and Carlo Gozanga reconcile their power?
3. How would Milan be able to keep Venice at bay (include cities)?
4. Who will be Milan’s next great ruler after the death of Sforza? What are the rules of
succession?
5. What will the role of the Guelphs be in the newly formed government?
17
JHUMUNC
Topic B: Expanding Milan’s Control across the Italian Peninsula
Introduction
Various forms of territorial conflict, alliances, revenge, changing borders and boundaries
marked Italian city-states during the middle ages and into the Renaissance. One of the greatest
city-states to engage in this Italian exchange was Milan, led by the dukes of Visconti and Sforza.
Giangaleazzo Visconti, who married a daughter of a French king and bought his title in 1395,
began the lineage of his despotism at this time. Left without a fortuitous leader after his death,
Milan regained its strong influence over Italian territory in 1450 with the rule of Filippo Maria
Visconti’s son-in-law, Francesco Sforza, born in 1401.
Historical Background
Before the beginning of the Italian Renaissance, Milan had long been one of the most
powerful Italian cities to stand on its own.
Society had obtained a complex hierarchy of
economic and socio-political classes, each with their own councils and officers, organized so that
each class had a working, compromise-based methodology of coexistence.xli The expansion of
Milan into a city-state had been brewing since the 13th century, aided by the tradition of a monofamilial rule with relatively strong leadership, monetary and trade-based prosperity, and a strong,
protective geographical location situated at the helm of the Italian peninsula. The rule of
Giangaleazzo Visconti was met with huge wealth to be expanded upon by his future heir,
Francesco Sforza, famous for having addressed and improved agricultural growth and for having
promoted now internationally recognized artists such as Donato Bramante and Leonardo da
Vinci in his court.xlii
18
JHUMUNC
Milan’s Power after the 100 Years War
The Hundred Years’ War is a term used by historians to mark the long conflict between
the ruling leaders of France against England from approximately 1337 to 1453. This conflict
was largely territorial and involved principally the statuses of many French and British territories,
including the territorial status of French Guyenne (Aquitaine), which in turn led to the claim of
England to the French crown. The end of the conflict never resulted in a peace treaty but instead
was assumed by the victory of the French in defending the seizure of Guyenne. While British
troops had formally seized the territory, a direct battle between the English and the French at this
location never ensued due to English fear of the strength of French troops.xliii
One of the results of the Hundred Years’ War included the increased movement of British
mercenary soldiers into Italian territory, specifically the Alps. Over this block of territory,
British mercenary soldiers sought to advance into Italy in search of finding work at the hands of
wealthy Italian families in control of city-states. This influx of profit-seeking soldiers fueled
multiple conflicts between Italian city-states during this time in 1361, including conflict between
Pope Innocent VI in Avignon, John Paleologo II, and their enemy, Bernabò Visconti, lord of
Milan. This band of English soldiers would later become infamous for their torturous and
terroristic techniques of dismemberment and psychological cruelty over the Italian people.
Nevertheless, this group of mercenary soldiers proved to be a great asset to the warring city-state
powers of Italy at the time, including Milan.xliv
Vested French Interest in the Duchy of Milan
French interest in the Duchy of Milan during the 14th and 15th century was mainly
centered on the capability of Italian city-states to provide warring power and alliances. During
19
JHUMUNC
the Hundred Years’ War, the French found interest in the use of Italian mercenary soldiers,
similarly to how the Italians found British soldiers useful in warring among themselves. Much
French interest in the Duchy of Milan lay in interest of capital and monetary means of competing
with the Spanish. Power over the placement of money and territory allowed Italian city-states to
have great influence over the battles between the Spanish and the French, eventually leading to
conflict over the territory of Italian city-states between Spanish and French warring powers.
Italian city-states, such as the Duchy of Milan, maintained great wealth during this period
of war and thus became locations of vested interest, particularly by French powers wanting to
increase capitalistic competition between their conquered territories and Spain. However, the
destructive assumption of wealth beyond those city-states located near the Alps led to great
disappointment by the French, who sought to obtain profit—and possibly conquer—this territory
in search of wealth, to increase their warring capabilities. While even the wealthiest Italian citystates had much to their names, they were still not states capable of generating the mass amounts
of financial resources needed to maintain war between the great powers of Spain and France.xlv
Threats and Relations with Other Italian States
As an Italian city-state, Milan was engaged in a web of relations with the other citystates, namely Venice, Florence, and the Papal States. Milan needed to show its control and
power and set an example for the other states. At the same time, the rulers of Milan needed to act
shrewdly in order to secure the best for their people and land.
Milan’s Relationship with Venice
Milan and Venice competed in several ways, one of which was in trade. Milan produced
armor and the only other cities that even resembled the degree of this trade was in Genoa and
Venice. Milan engaged with Venice in regard to trade, from everyday objects to the more
20
JHUMUNC
fantastic. Aristocrats and business leaders had ties to Venice and other city states. Such blending
of culture and background would have been common during this time.
Venice helped support Francesco Sforza rise to power in Milan after the death of Filippo
Maria Visconti. With no male heir, the state was left without a ruler.
Milan and Venice had a long history of warfare. When Giovanni Maria Visconti ascended
the throne in 1402, it was a period filled with warfare and strife. Various Milanese lands had
been given up including Padua and Verona, which Venice had taken over. During the end of
Filippo Maria Sforza’s life, Venice was threatening Milan and trying to take even more of her
land. Venice’s terra firma expansion caused great stress and problems for Milan. To deal with
the threat from Venice, the Golden Ambrosian Republic hired Francesco Sforza.
Milan’s Relationship with Florence
Francesco Sforza viewed Cosmo de Medici of Venice as a close friend and advisor, so
much that when contemplating abandoning his siege of Milan, Cosmo advised him to “go boldly
on his way regardless of the new difficulties which lay between him and his goal.” Medici may
have suggested this to Sforza due to jealousy of Florence of Venice and their relentless land
acquisition. xlvi
Milan’s Relationship with the Papacy
After the end of the Papal Schism in 1416, the delicate nature of the Papal States left
many questioning whether or not the territory would collapse. Elected Pope in 1417, Pope
Martin V, member of the highly influential and powerful Colonna family, came into the papacy
at the height of this confusion and delicacy. He is accredited with having held the Papal States
together until the papacy of Pope Eugenius IV. The papacy of Pope Eugenius IV was riddled
with distrust, banished to Rome for nearly a decade of his career, unable to return to his seat until
21
JHUMUNC
with the economic hand and guiding help of Francesco Sforza. During this time, the power of
the papacy thus fell into the hands of Francesco Sforza. Deeply entangled with the areas of
Milan and Naples under Sforza, the Papal States would remain a base for these objectives into
the 16th century.xlvii
Milan’s Relationship with the Duchy of Savoy and France
After Sforza had entered into an alliance with Venice against Milan, the Duchess of
Milan asked her brother, Louis of Savoy, son of Duke Amadeus the 7th, to wage war in Novara
against Sforza. xlviii Colleoni prevented Louis from succeeding and won a strategic victory at
Bergamo. The King of France provided supplies and aid to Louis of Savoy.xlix Louis of Savoy
created a treaty with the Dauphin of France. Genoa and Lucca would go to France. Alessandria
to Montferrat. Everything else North of the Po and West of Adda should be added to the Dutchy
of Savoy. France also had a claim to the throne because Charles, Duke of Orleans was the
nephew of Filippo Maria Visconti. Visconti, also following the loss of Casalmaggiore in 1446
asked for French reinforcements and in return promised the city of Asti. Before Visconti could
renege on his promise, the French had already occupied Asti and further issued the claim of the
Duke of Orleans as the true heir.
Bloc Positions
All those on Sforza’s council would like to see Milanese-controlled lands increase,
although those that do not support Sforza’s rule would be willing to overlook this cause to ally
with the Italian states to overthrow him. Many of Sforza’s enemies, although proudly and loyally
Milanese, view the removal of Sforza from power with the aid of other Italian States as
necessary. This may hinder Sforza in any of his goals towards acquiring Venetian lands.
22
JHUMUNC
Those who do support Sforza see this animosity as a threat to the new, albeit fragile,
peace in Milan. Sforza’s allies need to be wary of those who oppose Sforza as to them, the
overthrow of Sforza is a top priority, no matter the cost. Negotiations are always ongoing and
must be monitored carefully as to keep the delicate balance of power.
Those who are neutral towards Sforza should decide whether the cost of war against
Sforza is worth once more destabilizing Milan and making it further vulnerable. The common
people depend on these advisors to ensure their voices are adequately heard and actions are taken
that benefit the people of Milan and not only the House of Sforza.
Questions a Resolution Must Answer
1. What does the expansion of Milan mean for the humanitarian rights of individuals in other
city-states? Should Milan’s citizens be concerned?
2. What are the possible benefits and detriments to offering the citizens of conquered city-states
partial or full citizenship? As we continue to expand our control of Italian territory should we
follow this model?
3. How can we keep control of our city-states from the hands of the French, the Venetians, the
Romans, and the Pope?
23
JHUMUNC
24
JHUMUNC
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
ii
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
iii
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
iv
Rotterdam, Erasmus Av, Thomas B. Deutscher, and Peter G. Bietenholz. Contemporaries of
Erasmus: A Biographical Register of the Renaissance and Reformation. Toronto: U of
Toronto, 1985. 62. Print.
v
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
vi
Frazier, Alison Knowles. Possible Lives: Authors and Saints in Renaissance Italy. New York:
Columbia UP, 2005. 125. Print.
vii
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
viii
"The Borromeo Family Crest." Borromean Rings: Family Crest. N.p., 2007. Web. 15 Oct.
2015.
ix
Expo Magazine. "Palazzo Borromeo Expo Magazine The Worldwide Excellence." Palazzo
Borromeo. Expo Magazine The Worldwide Excellence, 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
x
University of London. "Borromei Family." The Borromei Family in the Fourteenth and
Fifteenth Centuries. Queen Mary Historical Research, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xi
Colussi, Paolo, and Mariagrazia Tolfo. "Storia Di Milano Dal 1426 Al 1450." Storia Di Milano
::: Dal 1426 Al 1450. N.p., 2002. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xii
Di Como, Vescovo. "Raccolta Storica." Google Books. N.p., 1589. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xiii
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xiv
Sider, Sandra. Handbook to Life in Renaissance Europe. New York: Facts On File, 2005.
Print.
xv
"CASTIGLIONI, Guarniero." In Dizionario Biografico–Treccani. Biographical Dictionary of
Italians, 1979. Web. 03 Oct. 2015. xvi
"Toscano, Galeotto." Nell'Enciclopedia Treccani. Encyclopedias Online, n.d. Web. 03 Oct.
2015. xvii
"CASATI, Francesco." In Dizionario Biografico–Treccani. Biographical Dictionary of
Italians, 1978. Web. 03 Oct. 2015.
xviii
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xix"CAIMI,Giovanni."InDizionarioBiografico–Treccani.BiographicalDictionaryofItalians,
1973.Web.03Oct.2015.
xx
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxi "Lombardia Beni Culturali." Repubblica Ambrosiana, 1447. Regione Lombardia, 01 Mar.
2006. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xxii Bartlett, Kenneth R. A Short History of the Italian Renaissance. Ontario: U of Toronto, 2013.
Print.
i
25
JHUMUNC
Bartlett, Kenneth R. A Short History of the Italian Renaissance. Ontario: U of Toronto, 2013.
Print.
xxiv Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxv Sider, Sandra. Handbook to Life in Renaissance Europe. New York: Facts On File, 2005.
Print.
xxvi Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxvii Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxviii Martines, Laura. "Political Conflict in the Italian City States." Government & Opposition
Government and Opposition 3.1 (1968): 69-91. Princeton University. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xxix Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxx Colussi, Paolo, and Mariagrazia Tolfo. "Storia Di Milano Dal 1426 Al 1450." Storia Di
Milano ::: Dal 1426 Al 1450. N.p., 2002. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xxxi"Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts: Guelphs and Ghibellines." Dante Alighieri Society
of Massachusetts: Guelphs and Ghibellines. Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts, Inc, n.d.
Web. 24 Oct. 2015.
xxxii Tikkanen, Amy. "Guelf and Ghibelline | European History." Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Oct. 2006. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xxxiii Colussi, Paolo, and Mariagrazia Tolfo. "Storia Di Milano Dal 1426 Al 1450." Storia Di
Milano ::: Dal 1426 Al 1450. N.p., 2002. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xxxiv Sider, Sandra. Handbook to Life in Renaissance Europe. New York: Facts On File, 2005.
Print.
xxxv Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxxviAdy, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxxvii
"The Battle of Caravaggio." Ars Bellica: The Great Battles of History. Ars Bellica, n.d.
Web. 24 Oct. 2015.
xxxviiiAdy, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xxxix Promeet, Dutta. "Francesco Sforza." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia
Britannica, 05 Jan. 2009. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
xl Bartlett, Kenneth R. A Short History of the Italian Renaissance. Ontario: U of Toronto, 2013.
Print.
xli
Gilbert, Edwyna Condon. "THE ITALIAN CITY-STATES OF THE RENAISSANCE." THE
ITALIAN CITY-STATES OF THE RENAISSANCE. The University of Kansas, n.d. Web. 05 Oct.
2015. xlii
"About Milan, Your Tourist Guide to Milan, Italy." History of Milan. Web Marketing Team,
n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2015. xliii
"Hundred Years’ War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.
xliv
Villalon, L.J. Andrew. "The Hundred Years War." Google Books. Brill Academic Publishing,
30 Dec. 2004. Web. 23 Oct. 2015.
xxiii
26
JHUMUNC
xlv
Arrighi, Giovanni. "The Long Twentieth Century." Google Books. Verso, 17 Dec. 1994. Web.
23 Oct. 2015.
xlvi
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xlvii
Knox, E.L. Skip. "Italy." Europe in the Late Middle Ages. Boise State University, n.d. Web.
13 Oct. 2015.
xlviii
Ady, Cecilia M., and Edward Armstrong. A History of Milan under the Sforza. London:
Methuen, 1907. 35-61. Print.
xlix
Browning, Oscar. The Life of Bartolomeo Colleoni, of Anjou and Burgundy. London: Printed
for the Arundel Society, 1891. 12-18. Print.
27