League of Cambrai

The League of Cambrai was a military alliance formed in 1508 between France, the Holy Roman Empire, and other European powers to counter the growing influence of Venice. Initially united in aiming to weaken Venice’s dominance in Italy, the alliance achieved early success by capturing Venetian territories. However, the alliance was short-lived, as trust eroded among members, leading to shifting alliances and renewed conflicts. The league exemplifies the complex and fleeting nature of diplomatic and military coalitions in Renaissance Italy, reflecting the period's unstable balance of power among European states.