Maximillian
One of the most powerful and important men in world history in Europe was Maximilian. Paper Masters can custom write a research paper on Maximilian to help you understand the dynamic and complex leader.
Maximilian I (1459-1519) was Holy Roman Emperor who through dynastic marriage, made his son King of Spain, establishing the Hapsburg dynasty over a significant part of Europe. Maximilian was all of the following:
- Duke of Burgundy
- Archduke of Austria
- Holy Roman Emperor
- King of the Romans (Germany), one of the most powerful monarchs in European history
Maximilian's Wars
His father, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III, married Maximilian to the daughter of the Duke of Burgundy in a political alliance. This gave Maximilian control over the Netherlands as well. In 1486, Maximilian was elected King of the Romans and became Holy Roman Emperor upon the death of his father in 1493.
Maximilian's wars with the French led to numerous was in Italy and the independence of the Swiss Confederacy from the Holy Roman Empire. Inside the Empire, Maximilian consented to several important political reforms yet racked up debt that took the Hapsburg family decades to pay off.
In 1498, Maximilian married his son Philip to the future Queen of Castile, and their son Charles became the first king of a united Spain. This grandson, Charles V, would become Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain during the height of the Spanish Empire. Between war and marriage, the Hapsburg family came to dominate Germany, Austria, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Bohemia, the Netherlands and Italy due to Maximilian.