History of the Holy Roman Empire and Codification

A set of flashcards covering essential vocabulary and concepts related to the history of the Holy Roman Empire and legal codification efforts in Germany.

Holy Roman Empire of German Nations

An empire formed in the 10th century that combined various German-speaking regions and had a distinct political structure.

Golden Bull

A decree issued in 1356 that regulated the election of the Holy Roman Emperor.

Treaty of Verdun

The 843 treaty that divided Charlemagne's empire into three kingdoms, establishing the foundation for modern France and Germany.

Electors

Influential rulers responsible for electing the Holy Roman Emperor; historically included three ecclesiastical and four secular electors.

Charles V

The Holy Roman Emperor from 1519 to 1556, known for his attempts to centralize authority amidst various challenges.

Codification

The process of consolidating and systematizing laws into organized codes, often seen in attempts by Prussia and Austria.

Prussia vs. Austria

Two significant kingdoms in the Holy Roman Empire that had differing approaches to legal codification and authority.

Peace of Augsburg

A 1555 treaty allowing German princes to determine the religion of their own states, responding to the Protestant Reformation.

Imperial Chamber Court

A judicial institution that operated within the Holy Roman Empire, adjudicating cases based on Roman law.

Enlightened Despotism

A form of absolute monarchy influenced by Enlightenment principles that sought to improve society through reforms.

BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch)

The German Civil Code enacted in 1900, which serves as a fundamental legal framework for private law in Germany.

Thibaut's Vision on Codification

Proposed a unified civil code for all German states post-Napoleon, seen as politically essential.

Savigny's Historical School

A legal theory suggesting that law evolves organically from societal customs, opposing the idea of a unified legal code.

Ems Dispatch

A communication that insulted Napoleon III, leading to the Franco-Prussian War and the establishment of the German Empire.

Nazi Legal Reinterpretation

Post-WWII adjustments to apply the BGB according to Nazi ideology, demonstrating the flexible application of law.

2nd German Empire

Established in 1871 under Bismarck, this empire marked the unification of various German states after the fall of the Holy Roman Empire.

Austrian Civil Code

Enacted in 1811, this code was based on Enlightenment ideals and is the only Western European code still in force today.