Condition of HRE Flashcards
What was HRE made up of?
Consisted of over 400 separate political entities according to Elton - in theory included Germany, southern Denmark, northern Italy, Czechoslovakia, eastern Poland
How did Maximilian attempt to establish greater control?
By 1500 attempts to create empire-wide govt, law courts and taxes came to no avail
Most major imperial decisions made with the consent of an Imperial Diet
Elton on Germany:
‘lacked all central authority’ ‘political mess’
How was Germany divided?
Comprised of fiefdoms (princes), Imperial Cities (councils) and small holdings held by Imperial Knights - HRE technically superior to these
Princes concerned with consolidating and expanding control
Princes and council leaders had Imperial Immediacy, answered only to Emperor
Since when had the Habsburgs controlled the HRE?
Maximilian I’s election in 1450, position became almost hereditary as many electors were corrupt
How was the HRE elected?
7 Imperial Electors chose a new HRE while incumbent was still alive - 4 secular and 3 sacred electors, enabled them with huge power
Elector of Brandeburg, Palatine of Rhine, King of Hungary, Elector of Saxony, Bishop of Magdeburg, two other varying bishops
What quarrels did the nobles have at the time of Charles V’s election?
Encouraged by rediscovery of Tacitus’ ‘Germania’ in 15th/16th century and translation into German, portrayed country as strong and special - protonationalism
Sense the German wealth was being exploited by RCC, HRE and taxes, promoted greater unity
How much land did Charles V control?
Crowned Emperor in 1519, controlling Spain through marriage, thus also south Italy and New World = almost 4 million square km
Ruled HRE, Spain, Burgundy, Spanish Netherlands, New World - new territories distracted him from Germany
How developed was Germany as a region?
Very - free trade encouraged regional competition, good central location
Who were the Hanseatic League?
Trade partnership that dominated northern Europe
How urbanised was Germany?
Highly - 7 cities with over 200,000 population (1 in both England and France, 0 in Spain)
Benefitted transport, trade and communication
How educated was Germany?
12 universities (2 in England 1 in France) - more literacy
25% literacy rate in cities, 10% in countryside
What burdens were placed on the peasantry?
Overtaxed by rising feudal dues and exploited by RCC, within no central power to regulate its behaviour
Resulted in many peasant risings, real wages stagnated due to urbanisation, rising population and inflation
What fraction of Germany was controlled by prince-bishops?
1/5
How were bishoprics appointed?
Appointed by Pope, and had secular power too - simply sold to highest bidder, position particularly resented by laity
