Aim: How did Charlemagne’s rule impact Western Europe? Key Terms Effects of the Fall of Rome Franks Charlemagne Feudalism Coach Smith
The fall of Rome brought many important changes to Western Europe. Coach Smith
Effects of the Fall of Rome Germanic tribes took over Roman lands. Hundreds of little kingdoms took the place of the Western Roman Empire in Europe. Initially, there was no system for collecting taxes. Kingdoms were always at war with one another. People lost interest in learning. Coach Smith
Warfare increased. Trade decreased. The “Dark Ages” began. Coach Smith
The “Dark Ages” Historians call the period following the fall of Rome the “Dark Ages.” Formerly, this period is known as the beginning of the Middle Ages. It was a time of increased warfare, decreased trade, and a decline in learning. Coach Smith
Clovis was an important king of the Franks. The Franks were one of the largest Germanic tribes. Coach Smith
Clovis and the Franks In A.D. 481, Clovis united the Franks and became their king. Clovis converted to the Roman Catholic faith. Essentially, the Franks blended Germanic and Roman cultural practices. Coach Smith
Charlemagne became king of the Franks in 768 A.D. He conquered a vast empire and tried to recreate the glory of the Roman Empire. Coach Smith
Charlemagne Charlemagne became king of the Franks in 768 A.D. He tried to recreate the glory of the Roman Empire. He conquered a vast empire and was proclaimed Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Leo III. He gave land to his nobles in exchange for their loyalty and military service. Coach Smith
Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne “Holy Roman Emperor”. Coach Smith
During his reign, Charlemagne tried to recreate the Roman Empire. However, after his death, the empire declined. Coach Smith
The Rise of Feudalism While Charlemagne’s descendants were not able to recreate the glory of the Roman Empire, the Franks did greatly affect life in the Middle Ages. Indeed, the Frankish practice of giving land to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service spread throughout Western Europe. Coach Smith
Life during the Middle Ages was based on a series of exchanges. Lesser Lords obeyed more powerful Lords in exchange for land. Coach Smith
Questions for Reflection: Why did historians call the early Middle Ages the “Dark Ages”? Who was Clovis and how did his conversion affect the Franks? Why did Pope Leo III crown Charlemagne “Holy Roman Emperor”? Define feudalism. How is feudalism different from other political systems? Coach Smith
Mini-Project A. Historical Research: The name Charlemagne means Charles the Great. In a 3-5 paragraph essay explain how Charles became known as the Great. Coach Smith