Nation Building in Europe Notes

Under Roman control until 410 CE.
Germanic tribes, the Angles, Saxons, & Jutes, came over from continental Europe.
King Alfred the Great unites Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in the 870s.
Alfred defended the kingdom against Viking conquest.
Alfred’s grandson Æthelstan became the first King of England in 927.
Æthelstan defeated an invasion by the King of Scotland.
King Edward the Confessor died without an heir in 1066.
William the Duke of Normandy wanted the throne.
Normandy was a former Viking settlement in France.
William leads Norman Conquest of England in 1066 C.E.
William wins the Battle of Hastings.
Henry II was King of England from 1154 – 1189.
Henry II helped establish the Common Law system - the same laws throughout England.
King John, son of Henry II, was forced to sign the Magna Carta in 1215.
The Magna Carta limited royal power for the first time.

France was not a nation but a collection of small feudal lands.
Hugh Capet was elected to throne by nobles in 987 CE – began the Capetian family rule.
The “Capetians” expand control.
The Capetians enlarged territory & appointed officials across France.

England vs. France.
Fought from 1337 – 1453 due to conflicts over French lands and crown.
English were winning at first due to superior weapons.
Teenage Joan of Arc said heavenly voices told her to save France.
Joan of Arc led a French army to victory at Orleans.
Joan was captured by the English & burned for witchcraft.
Joan's actions inspired French to rally and drive the English out of France.
Key Effects of the war:
- Each country (England & France) feels unity.
- Helped lead to the decline of feudalism.
- More people moved to towns.
- New middle class willing to pay taxes.