The Rise of States
National Monarchies 200 years in the making-it was the rise of towns and the new middle class of the 1100’s that set the process in motion and prepared the foundation for the modern, political world
European elites, whether nobles or burghers, grudgingly gave allegiance to ambitious monarchs- a single, strong ruler seemed the only alternative to the brutal pattern of war and civil strife so common during the era of feudalism
The “tools” of the new monarchies… Use of vernacular languages Creation of a standing army A system of tax collection to par for the army and its ability to wage war -the two were inseparable Subjecting the church to its secular power Marriage to reassert royal lands Extending Royal justice Promoting the interests of the new “middle class”
France: Hugh Capet, r
Philip Augustus r Solidified France by gradually establishing control over the Dukes and Counts of his land Defeated King John of England who held more territory as a feudal lord in France that King Philip did.
Louis IX r “Saint Louis” Issued laws for his entire realm Prohibited private warfare among his nobles
The Italian states The various Italian states never developed a national monarchy during this time… Dukes ruled in Venice, Genoa and Pisa After 1125, Normans (Vikings) controlled Naples and Sicily These states played a major role in the sea trade that connected the Byzantine and Arab world with Europe
Holy Roman Empire; Otto the Great, r defeated the Magyars Established forts along the Slavic border 962 crowned Holy Roman Emperor Initiated the Ottonian Renaissance
England: Alfred the Great, King of Wessex,
William, Duke of Normandy; The Battle of Hastings, 1066
William of Normandy aka William the Bastard aka William the Conqueror r Salisbury Oath Domesday Book
Henry II r > Traveling royal judges – common law > Trial by Jury > primitive Grand Jury
King John r Fought a costly and losing war against King Louis-Philippe Coerced his vassals to giving him more and more revenues Punished vassals without a trial by Jury
King John, at Runnymede, 1215
King John signs the Magna Carta, 1215