History

The war of Corsica 1553-1569

In 1553 the kingdom of France covets Corsica, or populates it does not support more the influence génoise. A revolution prepares and is about to burst with at its head Sampiero Corso combined to the French and with the Turkish ones.
After a few weeks, in front of a numerical inferiority; Génois return Bastia, Corte, Ajaccio which will open its gates with Sampiero, Corsica is reconquered little by little. The French chiefs in front of this flattering assessment, could only be delighted, because except for Calvi and Bonifacio, Génois had opposed only one low resistance. Very many Corsicans came enrôler and to join in Sampiero
Genoa under the command of the old admiral Andréa Doria and with the assistance of Spain and Tuscany, prepares a counter-attack. At the head of the most powerful army than Genoa is not never put on line Corsica, city after city, capitulates. The war of Corsica is transformed little by little into war of attrition and enlise. Corsica does not interest any more the court of France but like currency of exchange in the negotiations with Spain. Negotiations held in Vaucelle on February 5,1556, will be born a 5 years truce. Although Henri II proposed in Genoa to restore Corsica to him, the island will continue to be occupied and managed by France until 1559.
Sampiero returns to Corsica and gives again confidence with his compatriots who had believed it died. In accordance with the agreements of Vaucelle, Génois took again possession of certain fortified towns, French and Corsican all occupy the remainder of the island.
During this time Giordano Orsini, then general of the French and Corsican troops, grows rich by attracting himself confidence by the Corsica people, by promising the implication of the French crown in the insular cause. The Corsican and French troops are not paid bus Orsini empoche the balances. Sampiero in opposition with Giordano Orsini, fearing even for its life, sets out again for France.

The enthusiasm of the Corsicans decreases then and Sampiero itself is discussed. Once more, the destiny of Corsica will be decided elsewhere, just as one had not asked him for his opinion to invade it in August 1553, one will not consult it to give up it in April 1559.
One thus came to the signature from a treaty criticized on both sides, the treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis, signed on April 3,1559 and per which Corsica is returned to Genoa. In 1755, Pasquale Paoli Pascal Paoli organizes the revolt against the Génoise domination. In 1768 Genoa yields its rights to France. One year later, Pascal Paoli, overcome, must leave Corsica. In 1789, Corsica is proclaimed integral part of France. In 1793, Pascal Paoli continues resistance, supported by England, but it is overcome by Bonaparte.