Power Struggles in Medieval Europe Who has power
- Slides: 8
Power Struggles in Medieval Europe Who has power? Monarchy (Kings/Royalty) • Loyalty from nobles • Support from Church Nobles • • Pleasure of King Army/knights Courts taxes Church • God? • Army/knights • Courts • tithes
Monarchies in the High Middle Ages Enjoying greater power n Royal courts n Standing armies n Strengthened ties to middle class n
English Kings: William the Conqueror Unifies England n Vassals pledge loyalty before nobles n Domesday Book n
Henry II Common Law n Traveling Courts n Jury system n Problems with Church? n
John & the Magna Carta Rights of nobles, peasants, clergy n Monarchs MUST obey the law n Monarchs must consult with nobles before raising taxes n 1 st step towards a constitutional monarchy n Parliament n
France—Capetian Kings n n n Hereditary Throne Allied with Church Gained support of merchants n n n Positions in government Pitted nobles vs. each other Expanded Royal Courts Eventually end serfdom BUT…Estates General formed
The Holy Roman Empire Emperors crowned by Pope n 50 year clash over investiture of bishops n Constant battles to control German & Italian states n
The Church Innocent III declares pope’s supremacy (late 12 th Century) n “The pope stands between God and man, lower than God but higher than men, who judges all & is judged by no one. ” n
