Duchy of Milan

Duchy of Milan

The Duchy of Milan (Italian: Ducato di Milano; Lombard: Ducaa de Milan) was a state in Northern Italy. It was created in 1395 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who was the lord of Milan and a member of the Visconti family. At that time, it included twenty-six towns and the rural area of the middle Padan Plain east of the hills of Montferrat. It was located between Savoy to the west, Republic of Venice to the east, the Swiss Confederacy to the north, and the Republic of Genoa to the south.

Under the House of Sforza, Milan grew very rich. They brought in the silk industry, and the city became one of the wealthiest places during the Renaissance. Later, the Duchy of Milan was fought over by the Habsburg Monarchy and the Kingdom of France. From 1556, it was ruled by Habsburg Spain, and then by Habsburg Austria in 1707.

After the defeat of Napoleonic France, the Congress of Vienna in 1815 did not bring back the Duchy of Milan. Instead, its land became part of the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia, ruled by the Emperor of Austria. In 1859, Lombardy joined the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, which later became the new Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

History

Further information: History of Milan

Background

Main article: Lordship of Milan

The city of Milan was linked with the Visconti family since the 13th century. They grew their control over nearby areas. One of the first leaders was Ottone Visconti, who became archbishop in 1262 and defeated the Della Torre family in the Battle of Desio in 1277.

After this, Ottone's family made Milan stronger. They added many towns around Milan to their rule.

Visconti rule (1395–1447)

Further information: Florentine–Milanese Wars

The Duchy of Milan started on 11 May 1395 when Gian Galeazzo Visconti became Duke of Milan. He got this title from a document signed in Prague by Wenceslaus of Bohemia. The new duchy covered land around Milan and many towns from Piedmont to Veneto.

Ambrosian Republic (1447–1450)

Main article: Golden Ambrosian Republic

When the last Visconti duke, Filippo Maria, died in 1447 without a son, the people of Milan made a republic called the Golden Ambrosian Republic. It did not last long. In 1450, a soldier named Francesco Sforza took control and restored the duchy, starting the rule of the House of Sforza.

First Sforza's rule (1450–1499)

The Venetian republic wanted more land and worked with other powers against Francesco I Sforza. After years of war, peace was made in 1454.

First French rule (1499–1512)

In 1499, Louis XII, King of France, claimed the duchy and took it from Ludovico il Moro. Ludovico tried to fight back but was captured and sent to France.

Second Sforza's rule (1512–1515)

The Swiss army pushed the French out and put Maximilian Sforza on the throne.

Second French rule (1515–1521)

King Francis I of France took the duchy back after winning a big battle. The French held it until Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, took it in 1521.

Third and last Sforza's rule (1521–1535)

The French tried to take Milan again but lost. The city stayed under the control of Emperor Charles V until Francesco II Sforza became duke. Francesco died without children in 1535.

Spanish Habsburg rule (1556–1707)

King Francis of France and Charles V both wanted the duchy. Charles V won and placed his son Philip II in charge. Milan lost its independence and became part of the Spanish empire.

Austrian Habsburg rule (1714–1796)

After a long war, the Duchy of Milan was given to the Austrian Habsburgs. They made many changes to improve how the land was managed.

End of the Duchy

When Napoleon Bonaparte won in northern Italy in 1796, the duchy was handed over to the French. Later, after Napoleon was defeated, Milan became part of the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia. Finally, in 1866, it joined the Kingdom of Italy.

Historical coat of arms

The Duchy of Milan had different coats of arms at different times. From 1395 to 1535, it was ruled by the Visconti and Sforza families. Later, from 1580 to 1700, the Spanish Habsburgs controlled the area. From 1707 to 1796, it was governed by the Austrian Habsburgs. Each time had its own special symbol.

Rulers

Main articles: List of dukes of Milan and List of governors of the Duchy of Milan

The Duchy of Milan was ruled by important leaders called dukes. These dukes came from a family named the Visconti family. They helped guide and protect the area for many years. Later, other leaders also governed the region. Each brought their own ways to manage and care for the people living there.