A title for the Lord of the Low Countries?

IMHO creating a kingdom in the empire (which stays a part of the empire) is more likely than creating a kingdom on lands, which are considered a part of France. (The elector of Brandenburg only could become king in Prussia (parts of Prussia were still Polish), because one of his predecessor managed to make the duchy of Prussia independent from Poland and a sovereign duchy.)

Furthermore in that period, just styling yourself wasn't enough Papal, imperial and peer recognition would be required

All he'd need to do is definitively sever ties of allegiance with France. Once Flanders is fully independent, all you need is some cajoling to get the title granted to you by either the Pope or HRE. Maybe once Reformation rolled around Papacy would be glad to appease the Burgundians.
 
All he'd need to do is definitively sever ties of allegiance with France. Once Flanders is fully independent, all you need is some cajoling to get the title granted to you by either the Pope or HRE. Maybe once Reformation rolled around Papacy would be glad to appease the Burgundians.

It wouldn't be that simple. France wouldn't let go without a fight (the elector Brandenburg only managed to break the ties the duchy of Prussia had with Poland after a conflict), furthermore France is powerful enough to have enough support to get away with breaking promises made under force (like OTL HRE Charles V experienced).

Furthermore support of the Empire and/or Papacy would anger one of Europe's great powers, so unless France really managed to make both an enemy, they won't insult it too much.

A crown for Burgundy in the Empire would probably not be really liked by France either, but it wouldn't directly affect France and it would be within the legal powers of the emperor and empire.
 
It wouldn't be that simple. France wouldn't let go without a fight (the elector Brandenburg only managed to break the ties the duchy of Prussia had with Poland after a conflict), furthermore France is powerful enough to have enough support to get away with breaking promises made under force (like OTL HRE Charles V experienced).

Furthermore support of the Empire and/or Papacy would anger one of Europe's great powers, so unless France really managed to make both an enemy, they won't insult it too much.

A crown for Burgundy in the Empire would probably not be really liked by France either, but it wouldn't directly affect France and it would be within the legal powers of the emperor and empire.

A fight with France is easy to arrange for the Burgundians, all you need is a decisive Burgundian victory that puts France up against the wall, stuck between a rock and a hard place and in desperate need of Burgundian goodwill/neutrality.

I don't see why (subsequent to the severing of ties) anyone would be upset by either the Emperor or Pope granting such a title. Is there any precedent for foreign powers complaining at such acts? (cf. the Medici Grand Dukes of Tuscany, etc).
 
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