Francis I Voided His POW Treaty

In March 1526, King Francis I of France signed the Treaty of Madrid while he was a prisoner of his cousin, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, to secure his release. The treaty required Francis to cede territories as the price of freedom. After Francis returned safely to Paris, the royal council annulled the agreement and argued it had no force because he signed it under duress as a POW.

Previous Fact Next Fact