Mary of Burgundy
Mary of Burgundy was the heiress to the territories of the Duchy of Burgundy, known for her significant role in European politics during the late 15th century. Here are some key points about her:
Early Life and Ancestry
Marriage and Political Influence
- After her father's death at the Battle of Nancy in 1477, Mary became the Duchess of Burgundy, inheriting a vast territory that included modern-day Belgium, Luxembourg, parts of Netherlands, and Franche-Comté.
- She was under immense pressure to marry to secure her lands. She chose Maximilian of Austria, the future Holy Roman Emperor, in a political marriage that was meant to align her territories with the Habsburg interests.
- The marriage to Maximilian not only ensured the continuity of Burgundian power but also laid the groundwork for the Habsburg-Burgundy alliance, significantly impacting European politics.
Challenges and Governance
- Mary's rule was marked by challenges from neighboring powers, notably France, which sought to reclaim Burgundian lands. She had to navigate through political and military threats.
- Her reign saw the signing of the Great Privilege in 1477, which granted privileges to the States General of the Netherlands in exchange for their support against French aggression.
Death and Legacy
- Mary died on March 27, 1482, at the age of 25, after a riding accident in Bruges. Her death was a significant loss for the Burgundian state, leaving her young son Philip the Handsome as heir.
- Her marriage to Maximilian ensured that their son would inherit both Burgundy and Habsburg territories, setting the stage for the later unification of these lands under the Habsburg dynasty.
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