The Rise of Nation States: England and France Ms. Carmelitano

The Rise of Nation States By the 900’s CE Europe was split into small feudal states After the fall of the Carolingian Empire As the feudal system broke down, centralized government began to take shape in Europe Constant warfare caused European monarchs to consolidate their power and create nation states in the late medieval period A state whose citizens share a language or common descent.

Uniting England Vikings raided England throughout the 800’s CE Germanic tribe in England: Anglo-Saxons Alfred the Great: King 871-899 CE Protected Anglo-Saxons from the Vikings United the kingdom, calling it England: “Land of the Angles” Canute, a Danish King took the throne in 1016 CE United Anglo-Saxons and Vikings into one people

Conquest King Edward the Confessor took the throne next He died leaving no heir A struggle for the throne ensued William the Conqueror Duke of Normandy– a province North of France Viking descents, but French in culture and language Claimed the English crown against Harold Godwinson An Anglo-Saxon October 14, 1066, Battle of Hastings Harold was killed, William the Conqueror took the throne Created a centralized government in England

Henry II Goals of English kings 1. Hold on to French lands 2. Strengthen power over the church and nobles Henry II: (1154-1189 CE) married Eleanor of Aquitaine from France to strengthen the alliance Holding land in France made him a vassal to the French King He was also a king in England

Henry’s Government Royal Courts of Justice Juries Common law Royal judges collected taxes, settled lawsuits, punished crimes Juries Introduced juries to English courts Group of 12 loyal neighbors of the accused who answered questions about facts of a case Common law Rulings made by England’s Royal Judges (These became precedents for later laws)

Magna Carta Henry’s son Richard the Lion Hearted took the throne, but was killed in the battle Henry’s son John took the throne from 1199-1216 CE John Softsword – because of his weak military abilities John lost all of the lands in Normandy to the French Over-taxed his subjects Alienated the church June 15, 1215 CE – the subjects rebelled and forced John to sign the Magna Carta (Great Charter) Written by English nobles Guaranteed basic political rights and checked the power of the king No taxation without representation, a jury trial, protection under the law

BREAK TIME

The model Parliament Edward I Needed money to fight the French ,Welsh, and Scots 1295 CE summoned two wealthy citizens (burgesses) from every borough and two knights to serve as parliament This became the Legislative group in England November 1295 AD – knights, burgesses, bishops, lords met at Westminster in London – the Middle Parliament Parliament was called when taxes were needed Bicameral (two house) legislature House of Commons: Lower house made up of the commoners. Officials were voted in House of Lords: Upper house, made up of lords and bishops. Officials were royally appointed

France Counts and Dukes ruled independently during Feudalism After the fall of the Charlemagne’s empire In 1000 CE: France was 47 different territories The Capet family A French noble family Hugh Capet – a duke who ruled Paris He unified France under his rule Capetian dynasty: French kings from 987 CE to 1328 CE

The Kingdom of France For 300 years Capetian Kings strengthened the kingdom Philip II: Ruled from 1180 to 1223 CE Took Normandy from King John France tripled in size under his reign

Kingdom of France Louis IX Philip’s grandson Created a French court of appeals This court could overturn decisions of local courts Strengthening the central government’s power Philip IV (1285 CE-1314 CE) created the Estates- General Quarreled with the Pope over power Called council of advisors to discuss the Pope’s Powers (General Assembly) – this would become the Estate’s General: Legislative body for France First Estate: church leaders Second Estate: lords Third Estate: commoners

Beginnings of democracy Parliament and the Estates General began to give commoners a voice in government Magna Carta: protected the rights of the commoners Juries, Common law, and Royal court systems: strengthened the power of the central government