War of Comacchio

A major point of contention regarded Parma and Piacenza, both of which were claimed by the Emperor and the Pope simultaneously.

After the Siege of Turin during the War of the Spanish Succession, Joseph I strengthened his efforts to restore imperial rights in Italy.

Rinaldo d’Este, Duke of Modena, had sided with the Emperor, and his territories had suffered at the hands of French troops.

The goal was the Pope’s recognition of Archduke Charles as King of Spain and the expansion of imperial influence in Italy.

The Pope was accused of usurping feudal rights over Parma and Piacenza, supporting France, and punishing the imperial generals with unjust ecclesiastical rulings.

All things considered, this force was of little military use and more closely resembled a band of robbers than a disciplined army.

The leadership in Vienna was completely surprised by the Pope’s military preparations, but could no longer reverse course without a loss of face.

Anti-clerical voices within the Empire grew louder, and Joseph I. had to be careful to avoid finding himself at the head of an anti-papal movement.

The war was not energetically pursued by the Emperor, as the Habsburgs felt their legitimacy was fundamentally bound to the Papacy.

In a secret treaty that was only signed after another ultimatum, the Pope recognized Charles III as King of Spain.

The last war between a Holy Roman Emperor and a Pope had seemingly ended with a clear imperial victory.

Apart from the restoration of feudal rights over Parma and Piacenza, imperial gains from the triumph were relatively minor.