How was the unification of France: reasons, stages. Who was the opponent of the unification of France

The Middle Ages slowly but surely dealt withfeudal disunity. The empires blossomed and collapsed. In fire and hardship there was an understanding that a single state needed a strong central authority. In the same way, slowly and hard, the unification of France took place. In this agricultural country became and strengthened the city, developed all kinds of craft and trade. How was the unification of France, described in this article.

In the first millennium

The ninth century put an end to the empire of Charlemagne. It flew apart like a plate on the floor - into small pieces. One of these fragments - the country of the Western Franks - became a kingdom where the descendants of Emperor Charlemagne - Carolinga - received the reign, the dynasty weakened, marked by the stamp of degeneracy. At that time, the royal power could not be called even weak - there was practically no power. Who was the opponent of the unification of France? Is that time.

When the last Caroling died, the whole of France couldto fit in a shepherd's bag - a small piece of Ile-de-France with the lands around Orleans and Paris. In 987, King Hugo Capet was anointed. Naturally, neither Hugo nor the other Capetians on the throne of France were satisfied with this state of affairs when their vassals, the Dukes of Normandy, for example, became not just richer than kings, but also more powerful than them many times. Can there be other reasons for the unification of France?

Capetions

Survived the first Capetian on the throne, literallybalancing on one leg, but they stayed, survived, grew stronger and ruled until 1328, constantly growing the territory and taming the vassals. A very healthy family, with long-livers who introduced the continuity of the main political course. The elder sons were usually crowned during their lifetime, so there was no dispute about succession to the throne.

Of course, "the family is not without a freak," not all Capetiansshowed themselves as skilful rulers. However, this situation should be viewed objectively. How was the unification of France, in what conditions? The medieval world is so divided and cramped for any initiative, which is surprising, how it was possible to increase the hereditary possessions so much (the royal domain). The first successes of the unification of France are quite rightly to be written off to the Capetians.

Mighty Enemies

Scarcely had only Louis the VI managed to extinguish the baronialinsurgencies, having made it a rule to support nominees from the people, giving them even the highest state posts in the calculation of future devotion; barely rebuilt the old Carolingian church in the first truly Gothic monastery of Saint-Denis, taking from there and an adviser to himself the abbot of Sugeria, as the Duke of Wilhelm appeared in Normandy. Yes, the same one is the Conqueror.

The political situation to the last extremeIt was complicated by the conquest of England by William in 1066. Being a vassal of the French king, Wilhelm himself became king - and the king of a much more powerful house, increasing power with much greater speed than the Capetians. Henry II already had the "Angevin mini empire", becoming the ruler of England, Normandy, Anjou, Aquitaine and many lands that make up most of modern France. The most offensive is that if you ask yourself who was opposed to the unification of France, you will have to answer - your own vassals.

Young, yes early

Fifteen-year-old King Philip II resolutelyundertook the correction of this state of affairs. He is very clever, prudent and even sometimes for the sake of business, he was one of the most patient and far-sighted politicians of the Middle Ages. It was not in vain that Philip was called Augustus. The one who was opposed to the unification of France became the enemy of the king.

The choice of foreign policy was the collection of land androunding of the territory, internal - the consolidation of the acquired. Philip coped equally well with both. It was attended by a variety of talents - a fine commander, a cunning diplomat, a wise legislator and an excellent manager got along in this young, but by no means fragile creation.

Philippe v. England

Henry II, King of England, Norman andfurther on the list, much got from the new ruler of France. Despite the fact that an alliance was concluded between the two powers, Philip intrigued so successfully that the sons of Henry greatly weakened the Angevin Empire by constant mutinies.

With Henry's successor, Richard Imatured by the time Philip intrigue did not work, but it turned out friendship and joint crusades. But with the next ruler - John the Landless managed to cope quickly, easily and with relatively small losses. The goal of uniting France was worth it.

First, Philip gave John on trial for murdernephew, Arthur, who, indeed, died under very mysterious circumstances. John did not appear in court. Then Philip confiscated all his possessions that were on the mainland, for violating a vassal oath.

Four years after the war and after the defeatEnglish in 1214, Philip added to the French lands not only Normandy, but also Anjou, and in addition a number of areas in the north. This was the first success of the unification of France.

Crusade

The Albigenses were a cheerful people. Pope did not like it at once: troubadours, knights, poets are clearly covered by heresy, if they say that the Lord is not all-powerful and not all-powerful. This Albigensian heresy permeated several provinces of the south of France - Toulouse, Languedoc, Provence. At the court of Count Raymond of Toulouse the most talented and brilliant people of his time gathered.

The French North, at the call of the Pope, marched against the Albigenses. And Philip, meanwhile, strengthened the northern borders while his vassals stoked the Languedoc culture in blood.

The faith of the barons was fanatical, and greedhelped greatly. The southern regions and, in particular, the Languedoc - destroyed and executed, also went under the rule of France. Philip, however, this is not found. By 1224, the result of the crusade was received, as the next step towards the unification of France.

On the landmarks of the reign of King Philip Augustus, you canTo trace the stages of the unification of France. In addition, consolidation and consolidation of unified power and the creation of a fairly harmonious and efficient administrative system have become positive moments. But it should be noted that Philip did not disdain to achieve his goals.

Thirteenth century

Ludovic the Holy reigned by France from 1226 to 1270. He was so pious and wise that he was canonized by the Roman church. Repeatedly he acted as an arbitrator in litigation between the monarchs, but, being a violent crusader, he never lost the benefits for unification of France and very strongly strengthened the royal power.

France flourished at that time, turning into aa beautiful country, a cultural center, which it remains in Europe, and throughout the world to this day. And then under the wing of a wise monarch, the best theologians, troubadours, writers flocked from everywhere. Great cathedrals were built in Chartres, Amiens and Reims. This is how the unification of France took place under King Louis.

Despite his future holiness, with RomeLouis IX had a complex relationship. In 1269, the Pragmatic Sanction was published, which freed France from taxes and contributions to the Roman treasury and declared the independence of the Church of France from the Church of Rome. The actions of Pope Innocent IV Louis strongly criticized.

Philip IV The Beautiful and National State

The grandson of Louis the Holy could be calledPhilip the Shameless. But they called Beautiful. Beauty was stronger than conscience. Apparently, it is stronger also because the reign of Philip fell during the period of the decline of feudal power, which allowed to strengthen monarchism in the country, in which he succeeded. He continued the work of his ancestors in every possible way, as far as possible. The reasons for the unification of France have not gone anywhere. Philip prepared the country for the accession of new territories.

The policy of this king was dominated by aggression andcruelty. Such were the conditions of the era. But here is an interesting fact: early widowed, he did not remarry, keeping faithfulness to the deceased spouse. This reconciles many even with his excessive ambition. Stages of unification of France and after the reign of Philip did not end. This process took almost the whole period of the Middle Ages.

The influence of France under Philippe in Europe has strengthened,even from the losses - the war with Flanders and the massacres of the Templars - the country and its army received a good jackpot, replenishing the budget and armament. Again, the conflict that broke out with the British did not add to Gascony - the possession of Edward I. Flanders, too, could not be taken in hand. But Philip even arrested Pope Boniface VIII. And then managed to elect the Pope Frenchman Clement V, who moved the residence from Rome to Avignon. This was a huge victory, as there was a unification of France - albeit not territorially, but nationally and confessionally.

Results of the unification of France

Gradually began to form a single language,so the heterogeneous population of the country began to feel like a single people. There were favorable conditions for the development of culture, art prospered, education was established.

But only at the end of the XV century France was ableto acquire all the features of a centralized monarchical state. Under Louis XI, serious reforms and reforms took place. Cities were exempted from military service. Vassals were able to pay off military service. The army became hired, a special tax was imposed on it.

The government was almost completely transformed. Relations with other countries became possible only at the highest - royal level, vassals it was forbidden.

Taxes have become permanent. There were officials to manage all this economy. General states have ceased to be convened. Foreigners were invited to create industry, which contributed to the growth of cities and trade.