Emperor Charles V: 1500 - 1558

Description

The world of the first half of the sixteenth century was exceptionally dynamic. Voyages of discovery made the world larger; science and technology were revolutionized; Christian thought underwent a powerful renewal; the population and economy grew. And in the midst of this constellation of change, one man - the Emperor Charles V - ruled a conglomeration of territory more extensive than that previously held by any ruler in European history. What can one person, given an inordinate amount of power by quirk of fate, achieve? How much freedom did he in fact have? Did it help him reach his objectives? What unwanted results ensued from his actions? The relationship between the will of an individual and the power of structures in times of such mutability is at the core of Blockman's enquiry. He brings to the task a range of languages - without which it is scarcely possible to do justice to Charles's widespread, linguistically diverse imperium - a keen awareness of the most recent findings in modern scholarship, and the fruits of a professional lifetime's reflection. Contents Chronology Genealogies Justification Notes 1 An imperium of forty years Magnificent mourning A difficult departure The Habsburgs: a dynasty for Europe The education of a Christian prince Mission impossible? Notes: 2 A grand strategy? Territories and dynasty The Holy Roman Empire Strategic options Unforeseen circumstances Notes: 3 Honour, rights and land A foreign king The XVII Provinces Italy: the key to world hegemony France - again and again 1536-1537 1542-1544 1551-1553 Right, ambition and necessity Notes: 4 Protector of the Catholic Church The great misunderstanding Give and take Authoritarian Reformation The fiasco Persecuting heretics The soul of the Indian Christendom divided Notes: 5 Charles’ political system The absent prince The emperor's family Servants of the emperor The network Notes: 6 The cost of the Empire Objectives The tragedy of a viceroy Strategy, resources, choices Money, money and money again Discussion and repression Notes: 7 The image in balance The creation of a classical hero Personality and fate Notes: Selective bibliography Index