Duchy of Savoy
Northern Italy provided access to the southern borders of France and Austria, making the Duchy of Milan and Duchy of Savoy essential to their security. In 1631, France annexed Pinerolo in Piedmont and occupied Casale Monferrato while much of the Duchy of Savoy was in modern France, including the County of Nice and County of Savoy. Savoy was considered a minor power, seen by many as a French satellite.