Medieval Politics: Beginning of Nation/States

The Beginning: Medieval Feudalism ManorsManors HierarchyHierarchy –King –Barons/Earls/Dukes –Peasants –Artisan and Merchant Classes and beginning of cities PhilosophyPhilosophy How it workedHow it worked

The Players Pope (see Church) as secular rulerPope (see Church) as secular ruler Holy Roman Empire: growth of electors in towns, provinces and city/states, church controlled townsHoly Roman Empire: growth of electors in towns, provinces and city/states, church controlled towns –Frederick Barbarossa (Hohenstaufen) after Ottonian (Charlamagne established the HRE) –Frederick II fourth excommunication weakened emperor in regards to pope FranceFrance EnglandEngland Spain and the fight against the MoorsSpain and the fight against the Moors Russia:Russia: –Prince Vladimir of Kiev=Greek Orthodox religion; center of empire=Kiev –Mongol/Tatar invasion and dependence of Russia –Ivan the Great : Moscow becomes dominant of all N. Russia; throws off Mongol rule

England/France Mess 1066 William the Conqueror unites Normandy with England1066 William the Conqueror unites Normandy with England His children try to subdue both Scotland and WalesHis children try to subdue both Scotland and Wales Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the fight of children vs fatherHenry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the fight of children vs father Philip Augustus/Richard the Lionhearted and the CrusadesPhilip Augustus/Richard the Lionhearted and the Crusades

100 Years’ War With weak English kings (John, Henry III, Edward II), by 1224, all French lands except Aquitaine had been lost to the French; in Aquitaine, the English king was vassal to the French kingWith weak English kings (John, Henry III, Edward II), by 1224, all French lands except Aquitaine had been lost to the French; in Aquitaine, the English king was vassal to the French king During the late 13 th C, Edward I and Philip IV began asserting the power of the king over nobles in gradually expanding territories.During the late 13 th C, Edward I and Philip IV began asserting the power of the king over nobles in gradually expanding territories. As trade grew, both kingdoms competed for control in Flanders (woolen textile weaving) and along the French coast with shifting alliances of German princes and Scotland.As trade grew, both kingdoms competed for control in Flanders (woolen textile weaving) and along the French coast with shifting alliances of German princes and Scotland.

Pretext for Beginning the 100 Years’ War Charles IV of France died with no heir. The throne passed to Philip of Valois, the deceased king’s cousinCharles IV of France died with no heir. The throne passed to Philip of Valois, the deceased king’s cousin However, King Edward III of England was actually the nephew of Charles IV (through Edward’s mother) and really a closer heir to the throne. French argument: through a woman, not legal under salic law, and, besides, Edward was already a French vassalHowever, King Edward III of England was actually the nephew of Charles IV (through Edward’s mother) and really a closer heir to the throne. French argument: through a woman, not legal under salic law, and, besides, Edward was already a French vassal –Edward’s accession to the throne was also different from the normal: his father was deposed to make him king, thanks to his mother’s lover and a French army he brought with him. –Because he was not strong enough to refuse, Edward swore limited homage to Philip in 1331

Beginning the War Fighting in England, France, Scotland, the Low Countries and Spain, with troops from many areas—really first European warFighting in England, France, Scotland, the Low Countries and Spain, with troops from many areas—really first European war It began with French attacks on English outposts on the continent and on the English coast (Southampton, Guernsey island)It began with French attacks on English outposts on the continent and on the English coast (Southampton, Guernsey island)

Beginnings: English victories English at first prevailedEnglish at first prevailed –more centralized control –organized armies –monarchy’s definite command Naval victory for the English at SluysNaval victory for the English at Sluys Land victories for the English armies and their Low Countries allies in Poitiers and Crecy under Edward III and the Black PrinceLand victories for the English armies and their Low Countries allies in Poitiers and Crecy under Edward III and the Black Prince

Back and Forth Weakness with French kings=English victories;Weakness with French kings=English victories; weakness in English kings= French victoriesweakness in English kings= French victories Black Plague Black Plague JacquerieJacquerie –taille and other taxes –Had to repair war damaged properties without pay Wat Tyler and John BallWat Tyler and John Ball –Richard II (death of Black Prince) age 11 –Poll tax to pay for war: = for ALL –Death of Archbishop of Canterbury –Death of Wat Tyler; execution of John Ball

Henry V: Warrior King Agincourt and Henry VAgincourt and Henry V –English 5000 archers and 900 men at arms in a single line with no reserve; 8’ stakes in ground around archers vs cavalry –French between 20-30,000; 1/3 mounted; 3 lines –1000 yards apart on ploughed field; rain –English longbow (10/minute forests of arrows) began with 3 volleys in 40 seconds it took French to charge: destroyed or took prisoner all of first line; rest ran after other unsuccessful charges Treaty of TroyesTreaty of Troyes –Alliance of England with Burgundy –Disinherited French prince and proclaimed Henry V successor of Charles VI –BUT both died about the same time (Henry of dysentery in France), so Charles VII proclaimed king, ignoring Treaty

Ending: “Victory” for France Joan of Arc and her mission for Charles VIIJoan of Arc and her mission for Charles VII –Delivered Orleans besieged by British 6 months –Succession of victories credited to Joan (sense of national identity, confidence and inspiration) –Betrayal: captured by Burgundians, Charles could save her, burned by British for heresy –25 years later declared innocent; made a saint 1920 British driven out of France except for coastal enclave of CalaisBritish driven out of France except for coastal enclave of Calais

Consequences of 100 Years’ War Devastated FranceDevastated France Promoted both British and French national identitiesPromoted both British and French national identities Hastened transition from feudal monarchy to centralized stateHastened transition from feudal monarchy to centralized state Both strengthened monarchies (more territory and power vs nobles) and weakened them (power to people and nobles because of necessity for taxes to make war)Both strengthened monarchies (more territory and power vs nobles) and weakened them (power to people and nobles because of necessity for taxes to make war) English developed own clothing industry and foreign markets (seesawing allegiance of Netherlands and Flanders)English developed own clothing industry and foreign markets (seesawing allegiance of Netherlands and Flanders) On both sides, peasants bore the costs of the warOn both sides, peasants bore the costs of the war