Politics during
Middle Ages

The power of the kings over
nobles grew stronger

Rich & Powerful bourgeosie from cities
supported the King so in turn he would
defend against the feudal lords

Economic prosperity alllowed kingd to levy
taxes and pay the armies and officials

Their domains increased in size as a result of war and marriage to nobles and members of the monarchies

Emperor Henry IV

He considered himself the successor of
the ancient Roman emperors.

He was chosen by the nobles and
bishops of his domain

His empire extended from Germany
to northern Italy

He wanted to confirm or remove the
pope and bishops

Pope Gregory VII

He was considered the highest
spiritual power

After his death, a conclave of cardinals
met to choose his successor

The Church States convered central Italy

He believed that he should choose the bishops and demanded that the emperor meet his approval to rule

Consequences

The power of the empire and the
papacy was weakened

In nothern and central Italy cities
were governed as republics

In nothern Germany, afederation of trading cities
emerged, Hanseatic League or Hanssa

the conflicto continued until 1122, when it was finally resolved at the Concordat of Worms

As kingdoms grew, their goverments became more complex and kings introduced new political instructions

Characteristics

They represented all inhabitants.
Only most powerful attended

They were advisory, they could only give
the King their opinion

They met when convened by the king

Functions

To swear loyalty to the King or his successor. this was crucial in case of a problema with the succession to the throne

To approve new taxes and aid. The taxes were
levied on the bourgoisie.

To finance the monarchy

To support on any foreign policy measure