This thesis gives an analysis of the correspondence networks of Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) focussing on the period between 1620 and 1642. Using her...Show moreThis thesis gives an analysis of the correspondence networks of Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia, during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) focussing on the period between 1620 and 1642. Using her correspondence networks I have researched what strategies Elizabeth used in order to find support in the war, and which options she had available as an English princess, exiled queen and later as widow. To analysis these strategies, the thesis is divided in two parts, comparing her situation as a queen consort in 1620-1632, to her situation as a widow and regent between 1632 and 1642.Show less
The ruling dynasties of the Holy Roman Empire were subjected to imperial jurisdiction. Until the Empire’s demise in 1806, its two supreme courts adjudicated disputes that stemmed from all levels of...Show moreThe ruling dynasties of the Holy Roman Empire were subjected to imperial jurisdiction. Until the Empire’s demise in 1806, its two supreme courts adjudicated disputes that stemmed from all levels of the imperial hierarchy. Despite considerable autonomy, a sizable army and international ambitions, the rulers of Brandenburg-Prussia remained accountable to imperial justice. The Kings ‘in’ Prussia needed the emperor’s confirmation to realize their expansionist ambitions in the Southern German region of Franconia. The Reichshofrat, as the emperor’s supreme court, reviewed the lawfulness of Prussia’s claims, while a political opposition of small Franconian princes organized itself around the influential imperial arch-chancellor and elector of Mainz. The opposition feared Prussian interference in their regional assembly and did everything to prevent Prussian expansion into Franconia. Several of the king’s relatives were persuaded to join the opposition and appeal to the Reichshofrat to challenge Prussia’s ambitions. This ignited an intra-dynastic conflict which could alter the balance of power in the Empire on the outset of the 18th century. This thesis enquires how the Reichshofrat arbitrated the conflict, demonstrates how political and legal issues merged in a struggle for power and seeks to understand how the protagonists operated within the confines of the Empire’s legal framework. As they tried to achieve their political objectives within the imperial system they were forced to deal with its constraints. The conflict’s dynamic, course of events and outcome were determined by the imperial system.Show less
Inquiry into the German part of the Holy Roman Empire through the eyes of an Italian humanist, Enea Silvio Piccolomini. Two of Piccolomini's writings are considered, the 'Pentalogus' (written at...Show moreInquiry into the German part of the Holy Roman Empire through the eyes of an Italian humanist, Enea Silvio Piccolomini. Two of Piccolomini's writings are considered, the 'Pentalogus' (written at the court of German King Frederick III) and the 'Germania' (written shortly before Piccolomini was elected pope). The writings reflect the struggles of the German King/Emperor to strengthen his power over the Holy Roman Empire, both in military and ecclesiastical matters. More broadly, they offer the reader a highly personal account of the major events in fifteenth-century Europe, such as the fall of Constantinople and the Church's attempts to unite all of Christendom during the Conciliar Movement.Show less
In early modern times women often ended up in power. Usually when their husband deceased in war and the firstborn son had not come of age. This thesis discusses the position of these stateswomen by...Show moreIn early modern times women often ended up in power. Usually when their husband deceased in war and the firstborn son had not come of age. This thesis discusses the position of these stateswomen by focusing on Elizabeth Stuart (1596-1662), wife of Frederick V Elector Palatine and King of Bohemia (1596-1632) and daughter of King James I of England. This thesis reconstructs and analyses her role as stateswoman from 1635-1642. In the midst of the Thirty Years' War she tried to gain back her ownership over the Palatinate. What were her strategies; how did she make use of her network; and what was her role as a woman in the war?Show less
