Crash Course World History: The Holy Roman Empire

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Topic: Holy Roman Empire
• Famous critique by Voltaire: not holy, Roman, or an empire
• Importance in understanding world history during the reign of Charles V

Charles V (Charles Habsburg / Carlos I)

• One of the most powerful emperors
• Ruled a vast empire: Europe and the New World
• Dominions included Spain, laid claim to most of the Americas
• His empire included present-day Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, and more

Major Achievements

• Colonization and Christianization
  • Laid foundations for colonization of Americas
  • Supported Jesuit missions to convert Asia
  • Initiated settlements in California and the Philippines
• Human Rights Advocacy
  • Hosted the Volatilid Debates, one of the first discussions on universal human rights
  • Attempts to end slavery

Challenges and Failures

• Rebellious Subjects
  • Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation
  • Bankruptcy despite access to New World riches
• Holy Roman Empire's Structure
  • No central taxation or direct army
  • Diverse territories: difficult to govern

Historical Context

• Holy Roman Empire's inception in 800 CE
• Relationship with the papacy began with Charlemagne
• Power struggles and political marriages by the Habsburgs

The Habsburgs and Governance

• Inbreeding
  • Political strategy through dynastic marriages
  • Led to mental health and physical issues in the family
• Election of the Emperor
  • Changed to an elected position in 1356
  • Required bribes and political maneuvering

Charles V's Background

• Parents: Juana of Castile and Philip the Fair of Burgundy
• Inherited claims to Spain, Italy, and Germany
• Grew up in Belgium; neither Spanish nor German

Conflicts and Wars

• German Issues
  • Protestantism and Martin Luther
  • Revolts by peasants and merchants
• International Rivalries
  • Conflicts with Francis I of France
  • Wars against Suleiman and the Ottomans

Governance of the New World

• Concerns for native subjects
• Failed attempts to regulate encomienda system

Charles V's Legacy

• Abdication and division of his empire
• Perception of failure despite military victories

Conclusion

• Lessons from Charles V's reign
  • Limits of power
  • Complexity of governing a multinational empire
• Final thoughts on the history of the Holy Roman Empire

• Crash Course Production Credits
• Thanks to Subbable subscribers for support
• Encouragement to "Don't forget to be awesome."