TTC【双语字幕版】：西方文明的基础（S02E05：文艺复兴的王子们）
Archbishop Stephen Langton 1155-1228, the most famous and enduring statement limiting the power of a lay ruler, the Magna Carta of 1215
Vassals rebelled against several weak kings:
The Hundred Years War 1337-1456
Wars of the Roses 1455-1485
Kings allied with towns and merchants to fight against Baron rebellion, and then in 14th century, began to institutionalize these ad-hoc meetings with their loyal barons and townsman. In England, the institution was called Parliament; In France, the Estates General; in Spain, the Cortez; and in Holy Roman Empire, the Diet.
Renaissance Princes
(Yorkists in England, Valois family in France)
Pioneers and second-generation inheritors/exploiters
Pioneers:
to establish their dynasties on a more permanent and stronger footing, and reduce baronial opposition:
- pursed strategic marriages to heal wounds within the country and gain friends abroad.
- suppressed baronial private armies ruthlessly.
- allied with cities for loans and money and carefully hired humanists, educated lawyers and merchants as well as Nobles to counsel them.
- worked with assemblies.
- maintained good relations with the church, and enthusiastically persecuted heretics and religious minorities (Spanish Inquisition).
- drove out foreign invaders and consolidated holdings as well as imposed religious uniformity.
- reformed governments and legal systems to control efficiently of localities
- had a healthy respect for education, arts and propaganda
Second-generation inheritors/exploiters
- well-educated and became patronage
- continued the policies of suppressing elite power
- further suppressed heretical groups
- the foundation of modern nation-state
- sought to dominate the church
King Henry VIII 1491-1547
Queen Elizabeth I 1533-1603
King Francis I 1494-1547
King Henry II 1519-1559
Emperor Charles V 1500-1558
King Philip II 1527-1598
