explain in simple terms

MAP 23.1 Note the extent of Habsburg territories and the wide boundaries of the Holy Roman Empire. With such powerful territories, what prevented the Habsburgs from imposing imperial rule on most of Europe? throughout Europe and beyond. Charles V inherited authority Imperial Fragmentation In spite of his far-flung holdings, over the Habsburgs' Austrian domains as well as the duchy of Charles did not extend his authority throughout Europe or Burgundy (including the wealthy provinces of the Low Coun- even establish a lasting imperial legacy. Throughout his reign C tries) and the kingdom of Spain (including its possessions in Charles had to devote much of his attention and energy to the Italy and the Americas). When he became emperor in 1519, he Lutheran movement and to imperial princes who took advan- acquired authority over Germany, Bohemia, Switzerland, and tage of religious controversy to assert their independence. parts of northern Italy. His empire stretched from Vienna in Moreover, Charles did not build an administrative structure Austria to Cuzco in Peru. for his empire but, instead, ruled each of his lands according