Roberts, Roberto Allen (1981) Mantua under Gianfrancesco Gonzaga (1407-1444) : war, politics and diplomacy in a Lombard buffer state. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis aims to assess the importance of Gianfrancesco Gonzaga
and his state in early quattrocento politics. The central geographical
position of Mantua placed it in the forefront of the conflict between
Venice and Milan which dominated Gianfrancesco's life. It was a conflict
during which both protagonists tried to exploit Mantua to further their
own expansionist aims.
Such a clash of interests naturally placed immense pressures
upon Gianfrancesco. As always, his primary aim was to maintain the
existence of his state and this meant that he had to manoeuvre himself
between the two rivals. He was to place the strategic advantages of
Mantua and his own talents as a military commander first of all at the
disposal of Venice, the traditional ally and protector of the Mantuan
state, and subsequently, in 1438, when he became suspicious of Venetian
motives, at the disposal of Filippo Maria Visconti. The central portion
of the thesis investigates Gianfrancesco's relations with these two very
different masters and attempts to clarify the issues and motives which
prompted his change of loyalty in 1438.
In many respects, the role which Gianfrancesco was called
upon to play was an unenviable one. While it is true that he himself
obtained a considerable degree of prestige as Commander of the Venetian
army as well as the 'kudos' of an Imperial title, the dual role of ruler
and soldier of fortune which had been thrust upon him bristled with
problems, and these are also investigated in this study.
The period of Gianfranceso's rule provides us with an
excellent opportunity to observe the problems and decisions which
confronted a small state like Mantua at a time of political crisis.
The part which Gianfrancesco and Mantua played in that crisis has
been underestimated and this thesis attempts to redress the balance.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DG Italy
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Gianfrancesco Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua, 1395-1444, Gonzaga family, Nobility -- Italy -- Mantua -- History -- 15th century, Mantua (Italy) -- History
Official Date:	April 1981
Dates:	Date Event April 1981 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Centre for the Study of the Renaissance
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Extent:	iv, 534 leaves, [4] leaves of plates : maps
Language:	eng

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