Mantua under Gianfrancesco Gonzaga (1407-1444) : war, politics and diplomacy in a Lombard buffer state
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
Roberts, Roberto Allen
DG Italy
Mantua under Gianfrancesco Gonzaga (1407-1444) : war, politics and diplomacy in a Lombard buffer state. 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
war politics diplomacy buffer state aim_assess importance state early politics central geographical position place forefront conflict venice milan dominate life conflict protagonist try exploit expansionist aim clash interest naturally place immense pressure upon always primary_aim maintain existence state mean manoeuvre rival place strategic advantage talent military commander first disposal venice traditional ally state subsequently become venetian motif disposal central portion investigate relation two_different master attempt_clarify issue motif prompt change loyalty many_respect role call_upon play true