Discuss the reasons for the fall of ducal Burgundy.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the fall of ducal Burgundy. Candidates will focus on the death of Charles the Bold at the Battle of Nancy in 1477. After this event, Louis XI annexed much of Burgundy to the French Crown. Charles the Bold’s daughter, Mary was married to Maximilian I of Austria and as a result, the northern Burgundian territories came under Habsburg rule. Some candidates may argue that Charles the Bold pursued too aggressive a policy in trying to annex Lorraine to link the northern and southern regions of Burgundy and that he alienated some potential supporters. Others may stress the difficulty of the Burgundian position in the late 15th century, situated as it was between Habsburg domains to the east, and the growing power of Louis XI’s France to the west. Candidates may stress the abilities of the opponents of Burgundy in this period, especially those of Louis XI.

The question required candidates to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the fall of ducal Burgundy. Few responses were seen to this question. Some good, in-depth knowledge and argument was displayed.