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Renaissance Diplomacy and the New Monarchs, 1400-1559. Trends and Developments. Background and Characteristics. Growth of “feudal” monarchies in the High Middle Ages Loyalty to dynasty, not to a “state” Continuing influence of nobility Cultural, economic, and geographic divisions.
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Renaissance Diplomacy and the New Monarchs, 1400-1559 Trends and Developments
Background and Characteristics • Growth of “feudal” monarchies in the High Middle Ages • Loyalty to dynasty, not to a “state” • Continuing influence of nobility • Cultural, economic, and geographic divisions
Italian Influence on Diplomacy • Five major states: Milan (military despotism—Sforza), Venice (“The Serene Republic”), Florence (Medicis), Naples (backward feudal monarchy), Papal States • Established regular ambassadors • Use balance of power: Peace of Lodi, 1454 • Division and rivalries lead to invasion by outside powers • Habsburg-Valois Wars, 1494-1559
Tasks of State-Building • Subdue the nobility • Extend the royal domain (actual land under dynastic control or allied through marriage) • Gain access to revenue (taxes) • Create a professional and permanent army • Use royal officials loyal to crown to enforce policies and administer justice • Develop alliances with trading interests and expand commerce • Create bureaucratic apparatus (officials, tax collectors, judges, departments, etc.)