The High and Late Middle Ages

Section 1: Royal Power Grows

Monarchs, Nobles, and the Church

► During the High Middle Ages, monarchs began to centralize power and were supported by townspeople who wanted peace and unity.

► William the Conqueror became king of England in 1066 and required vassals to swear first allegiance to him. His census helped him collect taxes efficiently.

► Under Henry II, the legal system was unified as English common law.

Evolving Traditions of

Government

► With the coronation of King John, the power of the monarch was diminished. He lost battles with France, the Church, and nobles, who forced him to sign the Magna Carta.

► The Capetians made the throne hereditary and ruled for 300 years.

► They established order and gained the support of the middle class.

► Philip Augustus extended the power of the French throne and expanded the kingdom.

► Philip IV won widespread support when he set up the advisory body called the Estates General, which was made up of representatives from all classes of French society.

The Battle of Hastings in the Bayeux Tapestry