Henry II of France

Reign: 1547 – 1559
Life: 1519–1559

Henry pursued his father's policies in matters of art, war, and religion. He persevered in the Italian Wars against the Habsburgs and tried to suppress the Reformation, even as the Huguenot numbers were increasing drastically in France during his reign. Under the April 1559 Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis which ended the Italian Wars, France renounced its claims in Italy, but gained certain other territories, including the Pale of Calais and the Three Bishoprics. These acquisitions strengthened French borders while the abdication of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in January 1556 and division of his empire between Spain and Austria provided France with greater flexibility in foreign policy.

During Henry II of France's reign, Suleiman the Magnificent ruled Ottoman Empire, Mary, Queen of Scots ruled Scotland, and Gustav I of Sweden ruled Sweden.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Cambridge Illustrated History of France by Colin Jones

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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