[Sidenote: May, 1527] The foreign policy of France was a constant struggle, now by diplomacy, now by arms, with Charles V.

The principal remaining powers of Europe, England, Turkey and the pope, threw their weight now on one side now on the other of the two chief antagonists.

Italy was the field of most of the battles.

Francis began his reign by invading that country and defeating the Swiss at Marignano, thus conquering Milan.

[Sidenote: September 14-15, 1515] The campaigns in Italy and Southern France culminated in the disastrous defeat of the French at Pavia.