King Charles Viii of France
by Born in 1470 Charles was the only son of Louis XI. His father was a ruler who preferred to use diplomacy instead of war.
Charles would have been a better monarch if he had done the same. He lacked his father’s cunning although people did not mind that.
Charles VIII was only thirteen when his father died. He was interested in advancing the power of France through military conquest. However he did marry Anne of Brittany to ensure that the duchy came under royal authority once again.
The most notable decision that Charles took when he was king was to launch the invasion of Italy in 1495. He hoped that a short and victorious campaign would prove his worth as a warrior. The first French campaign in Italy did succeed in capturing Naples.
Unfortunately for Charles, Naples was soon lost and the members of the League of Venice were determined to keep the French out of Italy. Charles was only 28 when he died in 1498. His successors would carry on the Italian Wars until 1559.
Bibliography
Lenman B (2004) The Chambers Dictionary of World History
Maland D (1986) Europe in the Sixteenth Century
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