The Kingdoms of Europe The Rise of the nation states of Europe.

The tale of Two Kingdoms During the late Middle Ages, the power of the local nobles declined. The Kings of England and France in an effort to increase their own political power competed with both the local nobles and the Roman Catholic Church. Each kingdom (France & England) found a different solution to the question of who was to rule (make decisions).

England After the death of Angelo Saxon King Edward, his brother in law was selected to succeed him as King of England. However, Duke William of Normandy also claimed the throne. After he invaded and conquered England, he became king and won the name William the Conqueror.

Henry II COMMOM LAW Henry II, a successor of William the Conqueror established Common Law Law that was the same for all people regardless of class or position (except for the king of course). Sent out traveling justices to enforce laws Developed the jury system.

The Magna Carta/ Great Council During the 12th century the Kings of England sought to increase their political power further but the nobles resisted. The nobles rebelled against King John of England and forced him to sign the MAGNA CARTA (long letter)

The MAGNA CARTA Required the monarch to obey the laws and established a Great Council made up of lords and clergy. Prevented the king from raising taxes without consulting the Great Council. During the 1200s the Great Council evolved into a representative body called Parliament.

France Hugh Carpet became king in 987. The local nobles did not object to him because as king he had little political power His heirs the Carpetians established heredity succession to the French throne and began to challenge the authority of the local nobles. The nobles established a weak representative body called the Estates General that shared power with the king

The rise of Absolutism The king as the agent and ruling instrument of GOD {the Divine Right} –In Spain –France –Russia –England (well almost)

In Spain In the 1500s, with a steady supply of riches from her colonies in the New World, Spain became Europe’s most powerful kingdom. –Charles V ( ) grandson of Ferdinand & Isabella –Phillip II ( ) expands his power, the influence of the Catholic Church and the Spanish Empire. During the 1600s because of governmental mismanagement and overspending, the power of the Spanish declines.

French Absolutism The French Monarchy’s quest for increased power over the nobles, led in part to the Hundreds Year War between France and England. –When it appeared that the French were going to lose the war, a peasant named Joan of Arc: rallied the French troops which led to a victory for the French. –In the process, Joan of Arc was captured and executed by the English. She became a symbol of French nationalism.

Joan’s Bio

Joan of Arc’s legacy She was one of Frances most successful leaders during the war She became a national symbol for the French. Her efforts also helped reestablished the authority of the French monarch.

Hundred Years War New Technology changes the way wars are fought. VS The Long Bow replaced the cross bow as the weapon of choice

The Long Bow The long bow was cheap to construct, easy to carry and more powerful than the crossbow. They had a kill range of 100 yards and could wound an enemy from 200 yards (two football fields) away. Their arrows could also pierce plate armor. This emilinated the advantage of the plate armored knight in battle.

Technology The cannon (a gun powder projectile weapon) could break through castles and other walls.

What are some ways drones are changing the way we fight wars?

French Absolutism By the late 1600s, France replaced Spain as Europe’s most powerful nation. –Henry IV increased the influence of the throne while limiting the power of the nobles. –Louis VIII Appointed Cardinal Armand Richelieuin as a way of further increasing his influence. On Louis VIII’s behalf Cardinal Richelieu subdued the two groups that opposed him: –The nobles and the Protestants (Huguenots)

Louis XIV “The Sun King” Inherited the French throne at age 5 and ruled France for 72 years. Louis XIV’s reign and authority was strengthened when Bishop Jacques Bossuet declared that King Louis XIV is God’s representative on earth and as such, is entitled to unquestioned obedience. –Expanded the bureaucracy appointed officials to collect taxes, recruit soldiers, rule provinces –Built a lavish palace Versailles (outside Paris) –Organized the largest most disciplined army in Europe at its time. –Persecuted the Protestant Huguenots

The Golden Age of France Louis XIV makes France a wealthy powerful nation with immense cultural influence. Under his rule, France will enter her golden age but his overspending and rigid rule of France will plant the seeds for the demise of the French monarchy.

Almost done But not yet

Russia In the 1400s Moscow became the center of power in Russia. Czar Ivan III became the first in a long line of absolute rulers of the Romanov Kings. Czar Ivan IV intensified absolute rule and harsh treatment of his subjects and earned the name Ivan the Terrible. He organized a personalized police force to terrorize those disloyal to him

Czar Peter the Great Ruled Russia from Centralized royal power and brought all of Russia under his rule. Reduced the power of the Russian nobles. Gained control over the Orthodox Church Traveled to Western European cities and introduced modern technologies of mining and textiles to Russia

Czar Peter the Great Built up St Petersburg as the centerpiece of a new modernized Russian Empire. In the late 1600s, built the largest army in Europe and used it to expand Russia’s territory and gain ports in the Baltic Sea. However, his goal of acquiring warn weather ports would not be accomplished until 70 years after his death.