University:
Felician University
Course:
HIST-110 | World Geography and Culture
Academic year:

2020
Views:

432

Pages:

7
Author:

5CelestialChronicle

The High Middle Ages The Germanic people did not develop a strong central government. The Germanic peoples & Italian City-States became bitter rivals. In 936, Otto the Great was elected king by the Germanic feudal lords. He defended Pope John XII against unruly Roman nobles and the Pope crowned him “Emperor of the Romans.” Otto’s Holy Roman Empire was much smaller than Charlemagne’s – but it continued for more than 800 years •A struggle developed between the Holy Roman Empire (the Germanic Kings) and the Church (the Popes). •The kings said they could appoint Bishops, & the Pope said only he could do that. •Pope Gregory excommunicated King Henry IV because of this. King of Germany Angered by Pope Gregory’s actions because he needed church leaders to support him against powerful Germanic Lords Henry IV demanded that Gregory VII resign as Pope Henry IV was excommunicated by Pope Gregory VII Wanted to reform corrupt church leaders who plotted with the king to increase their power and wealth In 1075 outlawed church officials chosen by king Threatened to excommunicate any king who disobeyed (thus taking away their salvation) Henry realizes he cannot defeat Pope and begs for forgiveness – Henry is forgiven - feud continues, excommunicated againmarches on Rome 1122 Emperor Henry V reaches a compromise in the Concordant of Wormschurch to appoint bishops – Kings to give titles and land •1100s & 1200s – German Emperors (Holy Roman Empire) sought to control Italy •Caused problems with the Pope and wealthy cities in N. Italy. •Frederick I and Frederick II of Germany both fought for control of wealthy Italian cities •German nobles grew in power •Holy Roman Empire = patchwork of feudal states •Germany would not become a nation state for 600 years •France and Spain also fought over power in Italian city states 1200s – Church reaches the peak of its political power •Some popes claimed the right to depose kings •1198 – Pope Innocent II claimed supremacy over all other rulers – he was one of the most powerful popes in history •Strengthened Papal power & revised rules within the church •After 1296 when there were two popes, one in France & one in Rome (remember Philip IV of France) – the power of the popes declined