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How did Philip IV of France try to gain influence in the Holy Roman Empire?
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Philip IV
Philip IV, detail of the statue from his tomb, 14th century; in the abbey church at Saint-Denis, France.
Philip IV of France sought to expand his influence within the Holy Roman Empire through both diplomatic and dynastic strategies, though his efforts were largely unsuccessful.1
His primary methods included:
- Diplomatic Assertions: Philip actively asserted his independence from the empire in his dealings with imperial princes and emperors.1
- Territorial Expansion: He strengthened his eastern border by exerting authority over the city of Lyon and arranging marriages for his sons to extend French influence over the county of Burgundy.1
- Alliances: In 1299, he formed an alliance with the German king Albert I against Pope Boniface VIII.23
- Imperial Ambitions: Philip harbored a desire to gain direct control of the empire. He unsuccessfully attempted to have his brother, Charles, elected emperor in 1308, and later failed to secure the position for his second son, Philip, in 1313.1