Royal Power Grows

Problems with Feudalism Monarchs, Nobles, and Church struggle for power Nobles and the Church had armies, courts, and collected taxes. Monarchs began to undermine their authority Made new courts Raised standing armies Developed tax systems Strengthened Middle class

England

Background Roman colony conquered by Anglo-Saxon’s (Germans) Plagued by Viking raids Unified in the 800s but King only had nominal power Changed under William of Normandy

William of normandy French noble of Viking ancestor King of England died, William said he was promised the throne Invaded England, won the Battle of Hastings Became King

William the Conqueror Controlled his own army All vassals swore allegiance directly to him Took control, distributing land and keeping much for himself Monitored who built castles Took a census, the “Domesday Book” Counted everything Allowed better tax collection

King Henry II Focused on the justice system Sent out guards to enforce laws Verdicts from court became known as common law Applied to all England Created jury system Clashed with church over right to try clergy

King John Lost his ancestral lands in France Got excommunicated, England under Interdict Taxes caused a rebellion, signed the Magna Carta

Magna Carta “All men created equal” Rule of Law – King not above law Due process – right to trial Habeas Corpus – must be charges Creates Parliament – determines taxes

France

Background Extremely divided after Charlemange Named the weak Count of Paris King Founded Capetian Dynasty Expanded Royal Power and land

Notables Phillip Augustus Louis IX Phillip IV named commoners to position of power, loyalty Louis IX Led multiple crusades Expanded courts/justice “Nationalism” Phillip IV Created a new pope Created Estates General Consulted the king Commoners, nobles, and clergy