Strategie di guerra e logiche economiche : alcune considerazioni sul Monferrato gonzaghesco

Montferrat under Gonzaga can be used as an interesting case study to investigate early modern Italy. The complexity of a non-homogenous geographical context impacts the Italian geo-political scenery with important outcomes connected to the wider European context during the Thirty Years’ War. The article considers the economic and social situations deriving from the militarization of this area and follows the evolution of the institutional framework. The complex jurisdiction of the area (Republic of Genoa, Duchy of Mantua, Farnese’s duchy, Duchy of Savoy and Imperial Feuds, on top of the Spanish/Milanese influence) requires an investigation looking at the connection between political institutions and economy. The development of the different components is described from the point of view of Alvise Donato, who explains the many issues connected to the multiple loyalties of feuds, cities and territories. The research highlights the different causes that impact on this context and the multifaceted aims that often produce alliances, but most frequently cause clashes.