What was the purpose of the Treaty of Lodi, established in 1454?

The Treaty of Lodi, established in 1454, aimed to organize an alliance among the major Italian powers, which included Milan, Florence, and Venice, with the goal of creating a stable balance of power in Italy. The treaty sought to end the longstanding conflicts between these city-states, recognizing that collaboration would be more beneficial for their interests than prolonged warfare. By aligning against external threats, particularly from France and other European powers looking to assert influence in Italy, the treaty fostered a temporary peace, encouraging cooperation and mutual defense among the signatories. This alliance helped to stabilize the region during a period marked by internal strife and foreign incursions.

The emphasis on internal cooperation among powerful Italian states distinguishes the Treaty of Lodi from other options focused on war declarations, trade relations, or peace treaties with external empires.