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Hugh Capet -
Former Stewart of the Palace in Paris becomes king of a new western Frankish kingdom
Capetian Dynasty
Unite France for an extended period of time, create the modern country of France.
Brings western Europe out of chaos that had engulfed it since the fall of Rome.
General Trends of Countries
France & Germany
From fall of Rome -> 900s AD fates are entwined
But, with the rise of Capetians in France, France becomes centralized & stable & Germany is over 300 small kingdoms doesn’t unite until 1871
While Capetians have established power in Paris
Duke of Normandy has an illegitimate son.
William the Bastard. CAN’T INHERIT LAND
Over across the Channel…
Edward the Confessor was a powerful
King with no heirs.
Who had an unlikely friendship with William the Bastard
So, At Edward’s death 2 claims to Throne. Harold (Nephew).
William - who claimed Edward had promised him the throne.
At first, Harold becomes king. Doesn’t think William is a threat, attacks up north exposing his back allowing William to gather an army from his father and invade England, he fortified the city and was in control of it. Haderold brings his army back, not a strong.
England
Island Nation
Isolated from the continent
Therefore develops differently.
From the fall of Rome until 1066 - not united, tribal warfare, petty kings.
After 1066 - very entwined with France
Spain
Under Arab control.
Italy
Fragments into city states
Papal states controlled by Pope.
And some commercial states : Venice.