Duchy of Milan

The Duchy of Milan (Italian: Ducato di Milano; Lombard: Ducaa de Milan) was a state in Northern Italy, created in 1395 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, then the lord of Milan, and a member of the important Visconti family, which had been ruling the city since 1277. At that time, it included twenty-six towns and the wide rural area of the middle Padan Plain east of the hills of Montferrat. During much of its existence, it was wedged between Savoy to the west, Republic of Venice to the east, the Swiss Confederacy to the north, and separated from the Mediterranean by the Republic of Genoa to the south.

Under the House of Sforza, Milan experienced a period of great prosperity with the introduction of the silk industry, becoming one of the wealthiest states during the Renaissance. From the late 15th century, the Duchy of Milan was contested between the forces of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Kingdom of France. It was ruled by Habsburg Spain from 1556 and it passed to Habsburg Austria in 1707 during the War of the Spanish Succession.

After the defeat of Napoleonic France, the Congress of Vienna of 1815 restored many other Italian States which he had dissolved, but not the Duchy of Milan. Instead, its former territory became part of the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia, with the Emperor of Austria as its king. In 1859, Lombardy was ceded to the Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, which 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 closely connected since the 13th century with the Visconti family, who expanded 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.

In the following years, Ottone's relatives and descendants grew Milan's power. They added many towns and areas around Milan to their rule.

Visconti rule (1395–1447)

Further information: Florentine–Milanese Wars

The Duchy of Milan began on 11 May 1395 when Gian Galeazzo Visconti became Duke of Milan. He received 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 created 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 teamed up 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, where he died in 1508.

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 during different times. From 1395 to 1535, it was under the rule of the Visconti and Sforza families. Later, from 1580 to 1700, the Spanish Habsburgs controlled the area, and from 1707 to 1796, it was governed by the Austrian Habsburgs. Each period had its own unique 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, who helped guide and protect the area for many years. Later, other leaders also governed the region, each bringing their own ways to manage and care for the people living there.