Emperor Charles V, Impresario of War : Campaign Strategy, International Finance, and Domestic Politics

Review
"[A]n effective demonstration of the limits of imperial power and of the critical importance of finance in early modern politics and warfare...Tracy provides an extremely clear analysis of the relationship between money and military power in early modern Europe and a useful addition to the literature on Charles V." Michael J. Levin, University of Akron, Sixteenth Century Journal

"[Tracy's] study stands out as one of the few serious contributions made in any language during the past century to the study of Charles V within his European context. It is innovative, profoundly researched, wholly original, and generally reliable...It is difficult to exaggerate the value of this study." Renaissance Quarterly

"...it is an impressive discussion of sixteenth-century government in its most vulnerable state." History

"Rich in original information and shrewd in analysis, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in warfare during the Renaissance." The Journal of Military History

"...a judicious and balanced assessment of Charles's accomplishments. Recommended." Choice


Book Description
This book examines the three dimensions of European warfare, based on the campaigns of Emperor Charles V (1500-1558). Charles's role as commander-in-chief is evaluated by measuring his strategic aims. The process by which bankers took control of the finances of the Habsburg lands becomes clear from an examination of the source of the money to pay for Charles's campaigns. Finally, a comparison of the realms that provided most of Charles's revenues shows how some parliamentary bodies successfully pursued long-term local interests by exploiting the dynasty's need for money.


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Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) asserted his princely authority by deciding at times to lead his own armies to war, despite the misgivings of advisers. But because Europe's wars were fought with money borrowed against future revenues, even an emperor had to share power with his bankers and his parliaments. This book examines all three dimensions of European warfare. Charles's role as commander in chief is evaluated by measuring the strategic aims of his personal campaigns. The process by which bankers took control of the finances of the Habsburg lands becomes clear from an examination of where the money came from to pay for Charles's campaigns. Finally, a comparison of the realms that provided most of Charles's revenues - Castile, Naples, and three Low Countries provinces - shows how some parliamentary bodies, if not all, successfully pursued long-term local interests by exploiting the dynasty's need for money.


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