The Power of KingsThe Rise of Nations in Europe & the End of the Middle Ages

The Church vs. The NationThe Roman

Catholic Church:◦ Kept legal,

economic, and educational systems alive in Europe during Middle Ages

◦ Power—wealth, ability to grant positions & excommunication

Emerging Nations:◦ Hadn’t existed until

end of Middle Ages!◦ Community of people

who share government & territory as well as common language, culture, & national identity

◦ Governed by one King◦ Power—wealthy &

military strength, but also implied authorityWhat does that

mean?

How had the role of King changed?

Used to be little difference between Kings & Lords

Control used to be entirely military (Might=Right), until…◦Growing towns paid King taxes directly

instead of through the Lords◦Kings used this money to hire his own

army, loyal to just him!◦Further consolidated power during

Crusades & Black Death (by taking back land & power from nobles who died)

So, how did Nations form in Europe?

As kings became more & more powerful they spread their influence in many ways:◦ Germany—challenged

Church for power to name Popes

◦ Spain—united through marriage

◦ France—united people based upon common religion

◦ Russia—conquering neighbors

England Becomes a Nation

Battle of Hastings (1066) William of Normandy (a region in France) conquered England

Became known as the Norman Conquest

“William the Conqueror” and his sons (Henry I & Henry II) united the nation & strengthened the throne

King John Presses His LuckSon of Henry II

became king in 1199

Tried to further increase wealth & power◦ Taxed all heavily◦ Jailed enemies w/o

trial◦ Seized Church

property◦ Took power to

name Bishops from Pope

Pay Backs for King JohnWith Clergy & Nobles

united against him, John was stuck

June 15, 1215 he met with about 2,000 nobles in a meadow called Runnymede who had a list of demands

John was forced to make the demands law or risk losing his throne

But, I don’t WANT to!

The Magna Carta“Great Charter”Limited King’s power by giving

some of it to the nobles◦ No longer jail without just cause◦ Had to consult nobles before raising

taxes (“power of the purse”)◦ This group of noble eventually

became the Model Parliament (the earliest form of England’s Representative Government)

Ironically ended up strengthening monarchy because now nobles supported it.

THE 100 YEARS WARConfusing Name & Amazing Story

Instead of Small Land Disputes Now Entire Nations Go to War!

Most famous example was The Hundred Years’ War◦Series of clashes 1337-1453 (only

fought during good weather)◦England vs. France◦Lasted 116 years

Causes:◦Control of French throne & lands◦Control of English Channel◦Control of trade (and wealth it

brought)

The War Drags On…One king after

another on both sides

England won most of battles

French wouldn’t surrender

Things got interesting in 1429 when a French peasant girl got involved…

Joan of Arc

French Dauphin Charles VII vs. English King Henry VI

French peasant girl hears voices of Saints at age 12

Believes that God telling her to help save France

Goes to Dauphin to offer her help. He refused.

She returned the next year and with a small force, won several battles (despite being shot through the neck in one and the leg in another!)

Major victory at Orleans Captured by Burgundians (allied

with English) who put her on trial to avoid creating a martyr:◦ Put her on trial for heresy & witch craft◦ Then, burned her at the stake!

Joan of ArcOpps! Turns out she

was turned into a martyr after all.

Inspired French to fight & unite.

By 1453, English were driven from most of France, which was now strong and united.

Joan became a saint and national heroine.

Why do we care about the Hundred Years’ War?Changed balance of power in England and

France (to Kings and away from feudalism)New types of warfare

◦From a few knights to many foot soldiers◦From Hand-to-Hand Combat to Long Bow and

Cannons◦Nationalism—feeling of national identity and

prideWith no chance of another European

empire…where would these powerful nations look to expand their power?