Battle of Ivry

Timeline

1. 1590Dreux · Centre-Loire ValleyAfter expanding in Normandy, Henry IV besieged Dreux, attempting to cut off supplies west of Paris. The Catholic League's commander, the Duke of Mayenne, reinforced by Spanish-Walloon troops sent by Philip II, advanced from the direction of Paris, forcing Henry to abandon the siege and choose a decisive battle on open ground. The royal army was outnumbered by the League, but its cavalry was superior in quality and unified in command.
2. 1590Plain of Ivry · NormandyOn 14 March the two armies formed up near Ivry. After a brief cannonade, the League cavalry charged. Henry told his men that if they could not see the standards, they should follow the white plume on his helmet, then personally led the charge into the center of the League's lancers, firing pistols at close range before switching to cold steel. Mayenne was forced back, the Duke of Aumale was captured, the Count of Egmont was killed, and the League cavalry collapsed within about an hour; the infantry was cut down before it could fully deploy.
3. 1590Between Ivry and Paris · Île-de-FranceAfter the League's field army was lost, Henry crossed the Eure in pursuit of the routed troops, capturing banners and artillery, then turned back to blockade Paris. Ivry proved his military legitimacy, but the capital remained held by the League and the Spanish garrison; the siege itself formed a separate course of events and was lifted that autumn with Parma's relief.