THE RISE OF NATION STATES: ENGLAND AND FRANCEMs. Carmelitano

THE RISE OF NATION STATES

By the 900’s the Carolingian Empire left small feudal states in Europe

European monarchs consolidated their power and began creating nation states in the late medieval period A state whose citizens share a language or

common descent.

ENGLAND

Native people: Anglo-Saxons Alfred the Great: King 871-899 AD

Protected Anglo-Saxons from the Vikings United the kingdom, calling it England: “Land of

the Angles” Canute: King in 1016

United Anglo-Saxons and Vikings into one people

CONQUEST

Alfred the Great died in 1042, leaving no heir A struggle for the throne ensued

William the Conqueror Duke of Normandy– North of France, conquered

by Vikings Viking descents, but French in culture and language

Claimed the English crown against Harold Godwinson An Anglo-Saxon

October 14, 1066, Battle of Hastings Harold was killed, William the Conqueror took the

throne Laid the foundations for a centralized government in

England

HENRY II

Goals of English kings 1. Hold on to French lands 2. Strengthen power over the church and nobles

Henry II: (1154-1189 AD) married Eleanor of Aquitaine from France to strengthen the alliance Holding land in France made him a vassal to the

French King He was also a king in England

HENRY’S GOVERNMENT

Royal Courts of Justice Sent royal judges throughout England once a

year to collect taxes, settle lawsuits, punish crimes

Juries Introduced juries to English courts Group of 12 loyal neighbors of the accused who

answered questions about facts of a case Common law

Rulings made by England’s Royal Judges (These became precedents for later laws)

MAGNA CARTA

Henry’s son John took the throne from 1199-1216 John Softsword John lost all of the lands in Normandy to the French Over-taxed his subjects Alienated the church

June 15, 1215 – the subjects rebelled and forced John to sign the Magna Carta (Great Charter) Written by English nobles Guaranteed basic political rights and checked the

power of the king No taxation without representation, a jury trial, protection

under the law

PARLIAMENT

Edward I Needed money to fight the French ,Welsh, and

Scots 1295 AD summoned two wealthy citizens

(burgesses) from every borough and two knights to serve as parliament This will become the Legislative group in England November 1295 AD – knights, burgesses, bishops,

lords met at Westminster in London – the Middle Parliament

Parliament was called when taxes were needed House of Commons: Lower house with officials voted

in House of Lords: Upper house with appointed officials

FRANCE

After the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, counts and dukes ruled independently under the Feudal system In 1000 AD: France was 47 different territories

The Capet family A French noble family Hugh Capet – a duke who ruled Paris Capetian dynasty: French kings from 987 to 1328

THE KINGDOM OF FRANCE

For 300 years Capetian Kings strengthened the kingdom

Philip II: Ruled from 1180 to 1223 AD Seized Normandy from King John, and expanded

the lands of France Philip IV (1285-1314) created the Estates-

General Council of advisors (General Assembly)

First Estate: church leaders Second Estate: lords Third Estate: commoners