Conclusion: Post and Courier Service in Early Modern European Foreign Policy

Abstract

The art of national diplomacy was new at the beginning of the sixteenth century. By 1550 most states had embassies abroad, some more permanent than others. The Valois, Habsburg and Tudor monarchs of the new national states of France, Spain and England were very aware of the rhythm of the diplomatic “pas-de-trois.” Internal communications were, therefore, of the greatest importance, both for national cohesion and national diplomacy. The royal postal organizations were well established in the first half of the sixteenth century. It has not been realized yet just what an important role the government posts played in the new national-dynastic diplomacy as Catherine and her sons, Philip II, and Elizabeth negotiated (and warred) to secure their own niches in the changing political scene of Europe.