The High Middle Ages, which happened from around 1000 to 1300 AD, were a time of big changes in Western Europe. One of the most important changes was the rise of strong kings. Before this time, power was split among many local rulers in a system called feudalism. But during the High Middle Ages, kings like William the Conqueror in England and Philip II in France became very powerful. They worked hard to take control away from local lords and barons.
To do this, they made new laws and improved their armies. This helped them control their lands better and made the kingdom feel more like a single, united place.
Another important development during this time was the creation of parliamentary systems. This is where people, including common folks, started to get a say in government decisions alongside nobles. This was a big deal, even though it mainly included a select group of wealthy men. A famous document, the Magna Carta, was signed in 1215. It made sure that kings had to follow certain rules and gave nobles some rights.
The Church also grew in power during the High Middle Ages. It became a key player in politics and helped settle disputes between kings. The Church could even kick kings out of their positions, which gave it a lot of influence. Because of this, the Church was often more powerful than the kings themselves, creating a tricky balance between religious and political power.
Lastly, the growth of cities and towns brought new economic and political changes. Towns became important places for trade, allowing a new middle class, known as the bourgeoisie, to grow. These towns also developed their own local governments, which mixed things up in the feudal system.
Overall, the High Middle Ages were a time of major change that helped shape the countries we know today in Western Europe.
The High Middle Ages, which happened from around 1000 to 1300 AD, were a time of big changes in Western Europe. One of the most important changes was the rise of strong kings. Before this time, power was split among many local rulers in a system called feudalism. But during the High Middle Ages, kings like William the Conqueror in England and Philip II in France became very powerful. They worked hard to take control away from local lords and barons.
To do this, they made new laws and improved their armies. This helped them control their lands better and made the kingdom feel more like a single, united place.
Another important development during this time was the creation of parliamentary systems. This is where people, including common folks, started to get a say in government decisions alongside nobles. This was a big deal, even though it mainly included a select group of wealthy men. A famous document, the Magna Carta, was signed in 1215. It made sure that kings had to follow certain rules and gave nobles some rights.
The Church also grew in power during the High Middle Ages. It became a key player in politics and helped settle disputes between kings. The Church could even kick kings out of their positions, which gave it a lot of influence. Because of this, the Church was often more powerful than the kings themselves, creating a tricky balance between religious and political power.
Lastly, the growth of cities and towns brought new economic and political changes. Towns became important places for trade, allowing a new middle class, known as the bourgeoisie, to grow. These towns also developed their own local governments, which mixed things up in the feudal system.
Overall, the High Middle Ages were a time of major change that helped shape the countries we know today in Western Europe.