Question Part 1Read Anthology Document 1.13 - Ordinance of Thionville, 1473. What can we learn from this extract about Charles the Bold's view on the Burgundian state?The 'Ordinance of Thionville', is a speech given by the Duke of Burgundy during the setting up of the parliament of Malines. To place this speech in context you have to go back to 1435 and the treaty of Arras; an agreement between Charles the Bold's father Phillip the Good and Charles VII the King of France. This treaty outlines the new relationship between them, Charles VII relinquished all regulation over Burgundy and Philip was given sole tenure over all lands and people. It stated that if either of the main protagonists were to die this 'special' relationship would end. The two countries would revert to pre treaty levels of French ownership and administration over all lands and peoples of Burgundy.
This speech was written in 1473, twelve years after the death of Charles VII and six years after Charles the bold becomes Duke.
John, Duke of Burgundy
English: Territories of the House of Valois-Burgun...
Duchy of Burgundy.Philip the Good should have recognised Charles VII successor Louis XI in line with the terms of the agreement. However in the six years after Charles VII death, Philip the Good overlooked the treaty completely. Charles the Bold should have recognised the new King of France, he chose not to. Charles preferred to continue the late Duke's policies of government centralisation and the expansion of the Duchy of Burgundy.
Within the ordinance, Charles speaks of 'ducal princes' being established:Princes have been instituted and ordained to rule principalities and lordships, in particular so that the regions, provinces and peoples are joined together and organized in union, concord and loyal discipline by them. (Gibbons 2007 p35.)Charles was devolving some responsibilities to 'Princes' who had the same strict powers on a local level,