Título: Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba
Seção: In Milan and Naples (1555-59)
Background: Fernando Alvarez de Toledo y Pimentel (29 October 1507 - 11 December 1582), known as the Grand Duke of Alba in Spain and the Iron Duke in the Netherlands, was a Spanish noble, general, and diplomat. He was titled the 3rd Duke of Alba de Tormes, 4th Marquis of Coria, 3rd Count of Salvatierra de Tormes, 2nd Count of Piedrahita, 8th Lord of Valdecorneja, Grandee of Spain, and a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. His motto in Latin was Deo patrum Nostrorum, which in English means "To the God of our fathers". He was an adviser of King Charles I of Spain (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor), and his successor, Philip II of Spain, Mayordomo mayor of both, member of their Councils of State and War, governor of the Duchy of Milan (1555-1556), viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples (1556-1558), governor of the Netherlands (1567-1573) and viceroy and constable of the Kingdom of Portugal (1580-1582).

Conteúdo: In later years, the focus of conflict between France and Spain had moved to the Italian peninsula. Alba was sent to Italy as commander in chief of the Spanish-Habsburg army in Italy, and became governor of Milan in 1555, and viceroy of Naples in 1556.  The newly appointed Pope Paul IV, an enemy of the Habsburgs, prompted King Henry II of France to expel the Spanish from Italy. Papal troops joined the French for this aim. In July 1556 the Pope declared Philip II was removed from the title King of Naples. Alba did not hesitate and marched on Rome at the head of 12,000 Spanish soldiers. He financed the campaign, in part, by obtaining a loan of 430,000 ducats from Bona Sforza, dowager Queen of Poland; the loan became known as Neapolitan sums and was never repaid. The Pope called for a truce, giving time for a French army commanded by Francis, Duke of Guise to march on Naples. The Spanish intercepted the French and defeated them in the Battle of San Quentin. Without French support, the papal troops were overwhelmed by the Spanish and the Duke of Alba entered Rome in September 1557. The pope had to sue for peace.  In 1559, peace was concluded, between the kings of Spain and France with the Peace of Cateau-Cambresis. With this treaty Spain had freed resources allowing colonization in the Americas. The treaty lasted for a century, and the Italian peninsula entered a prolonged period of rest. Peace between Spain and France was sealed by marriage between the Spanish monarch -the twice 

user: What was notable or important in 1555?

assistant: commander in chief of the Spanish-Habsburg army in Italy, and became governor of Milan in 1555, and viceroy of Naples in 1556.

user: What did he do next?

assistant: The newly appointed Pope Paul IV, an enemy of the Habsburgs, prompted King Henry II of France to expel the Spanish from Italy.

user: What were the repercussions of that?

assistant: In July 1556 the Pope declared Philip II was removed from the title King of Naples.

user: Anything else important in 1556?

assistant: Alba did not hesitate and marched on Rome at the head of 12,000 Spanish soldiers.

user: How did that turn out?

assistant: The Pope called for a truce, giving time for a French army commanded by Francis, Duke of Guise to march on Naples.

user: Did the truce last?

assistant: In 1559, peace was concluded, between the kings of Spain and France with the Peace of Cateau-Cambresis.

user: What did he go on to do after the truce?

assistant: With this treaty Spain had freed resources allowing colonization in the Americas.

user: What was his next move?

assistant: The treaty lasted for a century, and the Italian peninsula entered a prolonged period of rest.

user: What did he focus on in peacetime?

assistant: Peace between Spain and France was sealed by marriage