1557 - Political Events

Political Events

Portugal's João III (the Pious) dies at Lisbon June 11 at age 55 after a 36-year reign in which he has instituted the Inquisition. He is succeeded by his 3-year-old grandson Sebastian, who will reign until 1578, mostly under a regency.

England's Mary Tudor declares war on France June 7 in support of her husband, the Spanish infante, in a conflict provoked by Pope Paul IV.

Irish chieftain Shane O'Neill invades Tyrconnell with a large army to gain dominion over Ulster. His rival Calvagh O'Donnell has sought aid in Scotland from the MacDonnells, who have helped him depose his father, Manus, and his half brother Hugh. O'Neill has seen an opportunity to oust the O'Donnells, but Calvagh surprises O'Neill's forces in their camp at night, forces them to flee, and gains recognition by the English as lord of Tyrconnell (see 1561).

France sends François de Lorraine, 2nd duc de Guise, on an expedition to conquer Naples, but a Spanish army invades northern France from the Lowlands, Guise is recalled to repel the invaders, and he manages to bring back his army virtually without any losses (see 1558). The Battle of St. Quentin August 10 ends in victory for Spanish forces under Emmanuel Philibert, duke of Savoy, over a French army led by the Constable de Montmorency, now 64, and drives the French from Italy.

Siena loses her independence as Florence's Cosimo de' Medici becomes ruler of the former republic.

A 14-year Livonian War begins as Mucovite forces invade Poland, the Swedes take Estonia, and the Danes acquire part of Courland in a dispute over succession to the Baltic territories ruled by the Teutonic Knights (see 1525; 1569).