Summary: 12th Century Rulers

Cheyenne Pichel

HI 201 12th Century Ruler

In the twelfth century in Europe, rulers used different sources and institutions to gain power. In England, the government was the first to govern through institution of systems, with the royal official giving the law and collecting revenues. Other parts of Europe did not develop as effectively. While Germany and France did transform their government institution and consolidate sources of power, England made the most successful use of its power. In all of Europe, England was the region that developed institution power. It was this institutional power that enabled kings not to have to be at meetings; the king had administrator function for him. Henry II was the main person who had a part in strengthening and extending the institutions of England. He gained enormous sources of power outside of England also. Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine, after her marriage to Louis VII of France was annulled. By marrying Eleanor, Henry II gained an enormous inheritance because the duchy of Aquitaine was granted to the crown of England. She gave him land on the continent as well as

The ruler of France in 1180 was Phillip II; when he gained control, the Ile-de-France was sandwiched between the territory that was controlled by Flanders, Champagne, and Anjou. Phillip played the three rulers against each other. Some other rulers were astounded by how quickly Phillip gained territory. Phillip had significant support and resources to keep a good hold on Normandy. Before Phillip was in control of France, the arrangements were based on memory, not on writing. He changed the arrangements. The laws were now written down, and the recipient and not the government officials saved them. Philip II relied on his member of his less nobility. They ended up doing all the work: serving as officers of the court, overlooking the royal estates, and acting as tax