The Hapsburgs between federalism and centralism
- The Rathaus of the government was erected between 1535 and 1545 als prestige edifice in the center of the city of Ensisheim.
In 1520, after the death of Maximilian, the Hapsburg holdings are divided up. Charles, the older one, receives the imperial crown and the possessions from the maternal inheritance. This includes Spain, the American colonies, and Italian rights and possessions. In addition, from the line of his grandmother he receives the holdings in Burgundy, Franche-Comté and the Netherlands.Ferdinand receives the states from the possession of his grandfather Maximilian: the heriditary states situated in German territory and the title of King of Rome which he bears from 1531.In 1523 Archduke Ferdinand I promulgates an edict which replaces the administrative organization which Maximilian had organized. In the future the central power is in the hands of the Archduke in Innsbruck.
- In 1584 a mint was opened in Ensisheim. The precious metal was delivered from the valley of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines.
