Editing Francis II of France (section)

===Foreign policy===
In foreign policy, Francis II continued peace efforts Henry II had begun with the signing of the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis in April 1559, which ended [[Italian Wars#Italian War of 1521–1526|40 years of war]] between France and the [[House of Habsburg|Habsburg empire]]. At the expense of its influence in Europe, France continued to restore lands conquered over the previous 40 years. In this sense, Francis II's reign began the decline of French influence throughout Europe, to the benefit of [[History of Spain#Spanish Kingdoms under the 'Great' Habsburgs (16th century)|Spain]].<ref>{{harvp|Cloulas|1985|pp=572–573}}</ref><ref>See also {{harvp|Romier|1974|p=345}}</ref>

When Henry II died, the restitution of these territories was well under way. Francis II, aware of the kingdom's weaknesses, reassured Spain of its intention to fulfill the treaty just signed.<ref>{{harvp|Romier|1974|pp=424–429, 437}}</ref> The [[Charles de Cossé, Count of Brissac|Maréchal de Brissac]], who displayed some unwillingness to evacuate Piedmont, was asked to change his behaviour and accelerate the withdrawal.<ref>{{harvp|de Ruble|1889|pp=34–52}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|Romier|1974|pp=436–437}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|Marchand|1889|p=457}}</ref> By the autumn of 1559, France had completely left Savoy, and Piedmont, except for the five locations agreed upon in the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis. If these were returned to the Duke of Savoy [[Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy|Emmanuel Philibert]], [[Montferrat]] would be returned to [[Guglielmo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua]]. Both were allies of Spain. Finally, [[Valenza]], which Brissac was grumbling about releasing, was to be returned to the Spanish [[Duchy of Milan]]. On the Spanish side, King [[Philip II of Spain|Philip II]] showed some unwillingness to return four locations in the northeast of the kingdom as required by the treaty. Border disputes renewed tensions between the two nations, but after months of protests Francis II finally obtained these territories.<ref>{{harvp|de Ruble|1882|pp=215–223}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|Rahlenbeck|1881|pp=343–345}}</ref>

Along with restitution of territories, the government of Francis II had to negotiate, pay, or claim compensations for people whose properties were taken or destroyed during the war.<ref>{{harvp|Cloulas|1985|p=579}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|de Ruble|1882|pp=203–204}}</ref> It also had to reach an agreement with Spain about the prisoners of war held by both sides. Many noblemen were still prisoners and unable to pay their ransom. Common soldiers were consigned to use as rowers on the [[Galley|royal galleys]]. Even after a reciprocal release compromise was signed, Spain was not eager to lose its prisoners.<ref>{{harvp|Cloulas|1985|pp=579–581}}</ref><ref>{{harvp|de Ruble|1882|p=214}}</ref><ref>Also ''Négociations, lettres et pièces diverses relatives au règne de François II, tirées du portefeuille de Sébastien de l'Aubespine, éveque de Limoges'', Paris Louis, Paris, imprimerie royale, " Collection de documents inédits sur l'histoire de France ", 1841, pp. 67–68, 132–136, 243–257, 506.</ref>

When Francis II died, France withdrew from Scotland, Brazil, Corsica, Tuscany, Savoy and most of Piedmont.

====Loss of Scotland====
[[File:BnF, NAL 83, folio 154 v - Francis II and Mary, Queen of Scots.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The king and his spouse [[Mary, Queen of Scots|Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots]] (painted around 1558). ({{Lang|fr|[[Bibliothèque Nationale de France]]|italic=no}})]]
With the marriage of Francis II and Mary Stuart, the future of Scotland was linked to that of France. A secret clause signed by the queen provided that Scotland would become part of France if the royal couple did not have children.<ref>{{harvp|Duchein|1998|p=207}}</ref> The queen's mother, [[Marie of Guise]], was already regent for Scotland.

Because of French control over their country, a [[Scottish Reformation#Lords of the Congregation|congregation of Scottish lords]] organised an uprising and made the regent and her French councils leave the capital, [[Edinburgh]], in May 1559. Having taken refuge at the fortress of [[Dunbar]], Marie of Guise asked France for help. Francis II and Mary Stuart sent troops right away. By the end of 1559, France had regained control of Scotland.<ref>Jacques-Auguste de Thou, ''Histoire universelle'', tome second, La Haye, 1742 pp. 742–746.</ref>

Nothing seemed to stand in the way of French control of Scotland apart from English support for the Scottish nobles. Queen [[Elizabeth I of England]] was still offended that Francis II and Mary Stuart had put on their coat of arms those of England, thus proclaiming Mary's claims on the throne of England.<ref>{{harvp|Duchein|1985|pp=576–581}}</ref> In January 1560, the English fleet blockaded the port of [[Leith]], which French troops had turned into a military base. They were supported by the arrival in April of 6000 soldiers and 3000 horsemen, which began the [[siege of Leith|siege of the city]].

Just as English troops were not particularly successful, the French troops found themselves in a better strategic position. But the French government's poor financial situation and internal turmoil in the French kingdom prevented any military reinforcements from being sent.<ref>{{harvp|Romier|1923|pp=93–95}}</ref><ref>See also {{harvp|de Ruble|1889|p=149}}</ref> When the [[Jean de Monluc|Bishop of Valence]] and Charles de La Rochefoucault, sieur of Randan, sent by the king to negotiate, arrived in Scotland, they were treated almost like prisoners. With Marie of Guise shut up in [[Edinburgh Castle]], the two men were forced to negotiate a peace that was disadvantageous to France. On 6 July 1560, they signed the [[Treaty of Edinburgh]], which ended French occupation of Scotland. Francis II and Mary Stuart had to withdraw French troops and stop displaying England's arms.

A few weeks later, the [[Parliament of Scotland]] established Protestantism as the state religion. When Francis II and Mary Stuart were presented with the Treaty of Edinburgh, they were outraged and refused to sign it; they also challenged the legitimacy of the Scottish parliament's decision.<ref>{{harvp|Duchein|1998|p=80}}</ref>