Empe7'or Charles V and his Vast Realms 577 represented in France and England. The restless knights and other minor nobles were not represented at all and consequently did not always consider the decisions of the diet binding upon them. It was this diet that Charles V summoned to meet him on the Rhine, in the ancient town of Worms, when he made his first visit to Germany in 1520. The most important business of the assembly proved to be the consideration of the case of a uni- versity professor, Martin Luther, who was accused of writing heretical books, and who had in reality begun what proved to be the first successful revolt against the seemingly all-powerful Medieval Church. QUESTIONS Section 98. When and how did the House of Hapsburg become important? What marriages were arranged by Maximilian I which affected the history of Europe ? How did Spain become a powerful kingdom.? Over what countries did Ferdinand and Isabella rule? What was the extent of Charles V's dominions? Section 99. Describe the Italian expedition of Charles VIII. What were its results? What were the causes of trouble between the French kings and the Hapsburgs ? What are your impressions of Francis I ? of Henry VIII ? Section 100. Contrast Germany in Charles V's time with the German Empire of to-day. Who were the knights? the electors? What was the German diet ? Why was the Emperor unable to maintain order in Germany?
