Luxembourg

Ian Fox

Aug 29, 2005

Although it was ruled by many other countries between 1500 to 1789, Luxembourg remained quite independent. The Holy Roman Empire, Spain, France, Burgundy, the Austrian Hapsburgs and the Netherlands all ruled Luxembourg at some point during this period of time. Before one can begin to analyze Luxembourg, one must first know the early history of Luxembourg. All of the early history of Luxembourg can be summed up with one name Siegfried.

Siegfried (also spelled Sigefroid) essentially founded the city of Luxembourg, in the year 963. Originally used to house and maintain his troops, Luxembourg was very important to Siegfried. In a period of about sixty years, he alone freed Luxembourg from foreign control and domination. Siegfried decided not to overextend the realm which he controlled (which explain its small size today .) The area which Siegfried controlled had a castle and a small village. The most important thing Siegfried did to Luxembourg was to instill a feeling of independence upon the people of Luxembourg. With a firm understanding of the early history of Luxembourg, it is important to now look into the time period of the 1300's.

Charles IV played a very important part of Luxembourg's history. Before Charles, Luxembourg was very small independent area that was for some time incorporated with Bohemia. Before he died, Charles' father paid to have him become Holy Roman Emperor. This was the emergence of Luxembourg from a small duchy to an important bargaining piece of empires and kingdoms. Luxembourg sacrificed a piece of its independence to become apart of the empire. Due to the work of Charles, the majority of the people (in Luxembourg) were free from the feudal system and were beginning to take advantage of their independence. Charles also allowed Luxembourg to retain a local government that the people controlled, a clear sign of independence.

During the mid 1400's Luxembourg came under the control of the Burgundian federation. It is amazing that although Luxembourg was under the direct control of Burgundy, Luxemburg was able to have its own governor and administrative council manage affairs within the duchy . Also the many customs and traditions that the people of Luxembourg practiced were kept under Burgundian rule. Through indirect control from Burgundy, France controlled Luxembourg. Due to the power of France, Burgundy had no choice but to hand over the territory. France, with its new acquisition, decided to burn down the castle and abbey that stood inside the city. This really began the transition from autonomy to complete control . For the next several years Luxembourg would not have any real independence.

By way of marriage, Luxembourg became apart of the Netherlands (also known as the Low Countries.) Unlike when Burgundy controlled it, Luxembourg was now apart of an imperial unit of countries and had no real say in her affairs. However, Luxembourg retained a small amount of local autonomy . Count Mansfeld became governor of Luxembourg and tried his best to consolidate what little powers he had. This period of time was one of prolonged suffering for the people of Luxembourg . The population of Luxembourg all relied on one another to get through the tough times. No outside help was ever given to Luxembourg, the community was resilient and never gave up hope for complete independence. During this time the Netherlands became increasingly frustrated with Philip II and his inquisition. There were two reasons Luxembourg did not rise up against Philip with the other Netherlands provinces. The first reason was geographical, Luxembourg is just too far away from the other provinces . The second reason was religious, Luxembourg was totally Catholic like Philip . Luxembourg was spared when Philip II brought in Spanish troops to help put down the rebellion. Luxembourg was so Catholic and loyal to Philip that the city became the staging point from which Spanish troops would be sent to put down the rebels .

Upon Phillip's death in 1598 he gave the Low Countries to his daughter who married Albert of Austria. Albert realized the individuality of Luxembourg. In a meeting of all the territories under Albert's control convened in Brussels, the representative for Luxembourg