Redéfinition du projet impérial ou construction d’un réseau de clients ? Les étapes allemandes du voyage du prince Philippe aux Pays-Bas (1548-1552)

Abstract

Felipe’s journey to the Low Countries between 1548 and 1551 was no mere nobleman’s educational «Grand Tour» or official passage to take possession of the Flemish territories. The German part also gave Charles V the opportunity to make his son known and put forward his candidature for the imperial succession. Finally—and perhaps most importantly—Felipe’s journey through the Holy Roman Empire was his first opportunity to make contact with the German princes and lay the first stones of a network of loyalties within imperial territory. In that context, Felipe’s actions acquire a further dimension: the need to present him as a prince capable of ruling the Empire. This plan failed owing to the rejection of the principal German nobles, and the refusal of Ferdinand and Maximilian to be excluded from the imperial succession. However, it did lay the groundwork for a Spanish presence on German soil.

Keywords

• Charles V
• Felipe II of Spain
• Holy Roman Empire
• journey
• succession