Western Europe

(Late Middle Ages)

Rise of Nation States

Decline of the Church

European monarchies consolidated power and began forming nation-states in the late medieval period.

EnglandFranceSpainRussia

After being the most powerful force during the High Middle Ages, the Catholic Church was quickly losing its influence in the Late Middle Ages.

EnglandEngland► William I “the William I “the

Conqueror”Conqueror” (Duke of Normandy) (Duke of Normandy)

► Defeated the Celts, Defeated the Celts, Angles, Saxons & Jutes Angles, Saxons & Jutes in England at the in England at the Battle Battle of Hastingsof Hastings (1066) (1066)

► He thus united most He thus united most England and laid the England and laid the foundations for a foundations for a sovereign nation-state.sovereign nation-state.

“Domesday Book”

• William I compiled the “Domesday Book” in 1086 which surveyed the people of England.

• He thereby contributed still further to the unification of England and thus laying the foundations for a sovereign nation-state

Henry II of England (1154-1189)Henry II of England (1154-1189)

Married Eleanor of Aquitaine and thereby extended the territory of England to include land in France.

He also established a Court system which enforced a common set of laws.

Common Law had its beginnings during the reign of Henry II.

Henry’s style and energy were models for future monarchs.

King John of England(Son of Henry II)

Was forced by nobles to sign the Magna Carta (1215).

This document limited the King’s power by insisting that he consults with the nobles before raising taxes and/or waging war.

It marks the beginning of England’s “democratic tradition.”

Magna Carta

Parliament (1265)Parliament (1265)

A British institution that provides for elected A British institution that provides for elected representation of the people in government. representation of the people in government.

It is another example of England’s evolving It is another example of England’s evolving Democratic Tradition. Democratic Tradition.

Parliament consists of a House of Lords (Nobles) and a Parliament consists of a House of Lords (Nobles) and a House of Commons.House of Commons.

Gradually the House of Commons became the most Gradually the House of Commons became the most powerful.powerful.

France Hugh Capet established the French throne

in Paris.

His dynasty, the Capetian dynasty, gradually expanded their control over most of France.

Philip II “Augustus”(1180-1223)

Expanded the kingdom of France by taking Normandy, Anjou, & Touraine from the British

King Louis IX (“St Louis”), 1226-1270

Devoutly Christian.

Loved by his people.

He convinced his subjects that

the monarchy was essential to their happiness and well-being.

Philip IV “the Fair” (1300s)

Established the Estates General - a feudal council which could advise the king while also pledging loyalty and submission.

Philip IV also defied and arrested the Pope. Added to the decline of the Church

power.

A French papacy was established at Avignon which remained under French control from 1305-1377

Hundred Years’ War Hundred Years’ War

The “100 Years War” (1337-1453) was The “100 Years War” (1337-1453) was fought between England & France.fought between England & France.

The most important cause was over The most important cause was over territory in France.territory in France.

The Hundred Years’ War helped define The Hundred Years’ War helped define England and France as nations.England and France as nations.

Joan of Arc Under the “miraculous” leadership of

Joan of Arc, France eventually won. England forever gave up claims to

French territory.

Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the 100 years war. She was a girl-general

She was later captured by the British and burned to death as a witch.

***Joan of Arc was a unifying factor for France.

Spain Muslims conquered Spain in the

700s, but Spanish leaders fought the Reconquista (1065-1500) and eventually drove them out.

Ferdinand of Aragon married Isabella of Castile and together they completed the Reconquista.

Ferdinand and Isabella united all of Spain and expelled Muslim Moors.

Led the Age of Exploration (late 1400s).

Spanish Inquisition

Russia

Ivan III (the Great) threw off the rule of the Mongols, centralized power in Moscow, and expanded the Russian nation.

He was the first Russian ruler to be formally crowned as czar.

Ivan IV, called the Terrible (1530-84), grand duke of Moscow and czar of Russia, further centralized royal power.

The first 13 years of Ivan's reign constitute one of the greatest periods of internal reform, external expansion, and centralization of state power in the history of Russia.

Power to Tsar

After Ivan the Terrible, power was centralized in the hands of the tsar.

The Orthodox Church influenced the unification.