VI.

REIGN OF CHARLES IV. 130-153

(1346-1378.)

Difficulties of explaining Charles’s career by his antecedents--Influences of his Paris experiences on him--Earlier attempts at “higher education” in Bohemia--Charles’s aims in founding his University--His plans--The “Four Nations”--Immediate effects of the foundation--The New Town of Prague--Foundation of Carlstein--The Majestas Carolina--Reasons for its withdrawal--Its merits and defects--Abolition of the fire and water tests--Appeal granted to the Serfs--Connection of “Charles I.” of Bohemia with “Charles IV.” of Germany--The Golden Bull--Resistance to the Emperor, and his way of meeting it--Concession to the House of Hapsburg--Relations of Charles with young Louis of Bavaria, in the Tyrol, in Brandenburg--His relations with Italy, Rienzi, Petrarch--Attempt to make the German Empire hereditary.