The New Monarchy
This section examines the significant changes in the power structure of Europe during the period from the late 15th to mid-16th centuries, focusing on the emergence of new monarchies. As feudalism gradually declined, monarchs like Louis XI in France, Maximilian in Austria, and Henry VII in England began consolidating their power over nobility and territories, fundamentally transforming political structures across the continent.
Key Points
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Rise of New Monarchies: With the decline of feudalism, kings transitioned from sharing power with feudal lords to establishing centralized authority, facing resistance primarily due to taxation policies.
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Social Change: The transformation of societal dynamics allowed for a stronger state mechanism, as the nobility adapted to become loyal supporters of monarchies, thus preserving their status while supporting centralized power.
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Military Developments: A movement from feudal levies to professionally trained armies marked this period, enhancing royal authority and facilitating the expansion of monarchies.
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Resistance from Nobility: Interaction between new monarchs and traditional noble aristocracies often led to localized conflicts, primarily over taxation and control, indicating the tensions in transitioning away from feudal loyalties.
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Patronage System: New economic influences introduced non-aristocratic entities, such as merchants and bankers, into state politics, reshaping the power landscape and funding royal ambitions.
In essence, the establishment of new monarchies not only centralized governance but also set the stage for modern political structures in Europe, shaping future interactions between state and society.