History - Constructing the West
to 100A.D
These were about taking people on, not just killing them Need to get them onside.
Kinship Concept
Father-Son-Father-Son. Kept in Family.
Some monarchs with tribal origins.
The Roman Empire, fullest extent c.150 AD
Conquered and stripped areas of assets
Stole slaves, plundered. Bankers who ran Rome benefited.
These bankers were in the Army.
Place was then incorporated into the Empire. Some places untouched, e.g Scotland.
What was wrong with the Roman Empire?
Stopped expanding, vulnerable to attack.
Split into two, too big to defend.
Constantine established Christianity as main language.
Later Issues in the West
6th Century - Bubonic Plague. 1 in 3 die.
800 A.D. Mediterannean is no longer political centre.
Islam has more power.
Defenders of Christianity came about, such as King Charlamagne.
His strongest conquest was North Italy = recreating Roman Empire. War backed by the Church.
No real institutional basis. Main problem was the succession issues.
Attacks on the West
9th-10th Century
Iron and Steel armour used.
Danes eventually settle too, also adopting heavy armour.
Military uper class of lords, their sons have the right amour and time to train.
Church is then used as a form of ASBO to try and control unruly youths.
Kingdoms, Principalities and the World. (1150-1520) Scotland
Women now more prominent.
Scotland c.1200, Earldoms, Lordships and Sheriffdoms.
Scotland rose up and defeated vikings, more consolidated Scotland. Also includes Sutherland.
Kingship now not strictly father-son. Jumps all over the place.
Scotland continued
Dynasty of pure blood succession
David 1st modernises
Stops with Alexander 3rd.
Scottish Civil War then begins between Bruce and Balliol.
England then tries to take over Scotland.
Marriage and society...
Mary Queen of Scots sent to France to be married. Scotland take over England by marriage rights.
Focus shifting away from war and brute force.
Happening everywhere! In England, After Norman invasion, England gained 1/3rd France through marriage.
By 1250 France in control again... better relatons with peasantry, they work for the lords.
these types of societies don't get conquered.
Other European Countries
Italy tried to take over German Emperors, but defensive strategies didn't work and their armies got sick.
Siciliy comes under French rule, but a rebellion sees Italians massacre the French.
Germany made up of kingdoms - large and small.
Denmark-Sweden-Norway brought together.
Spain big expansionists.