The Mask of Dissimulation: Eustace Chapuys and Early Modern Diplomatic Technique, 1536--1545

"This thesis focuses on the second half of Eustace Chapuys's embassy in England, particularly the years between 1536 and 1545 for three reasons. First, many historians have focused on diplomatic history of Henrician England up to 1536 because of the ""Divorce Crisis,"" Henry's ultimately failed attempt to gain a Papal annulment of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon. The ""Divorce Crisis"" gave birth to what would grow into the Anglican Church, leaving a distracting layer of religious arguments and interpretations before getting to the ambassador and his texts. Second, we can more easily shift discussions away from the high drama of the Henrician Reformation in favor of the activities of an early modern diplomat performing duties continued by his successors: negotiating military alliances, gathering intelligence, and smoothing trade relations. This concentration on the previously obscured and poorly-understood activities of Eustace Chapuys will, in turn, allow historians to construct more nuanced interpretations of the period of the Henrician Reformation and the Divorce Crisis. Third, the Imperial diplomatic system in England and Chapuys's diplomatic habits had become well-established after seven years serving in London: his actions and words as an experienced ambassador will shed greater light on a more practiced form of interaction and representation."

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

History

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Lundell, Richard Edward

Contributors dc:contributor

• Parker, Geoffrey

• Biography

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI3017156

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/84618