Tyler Fields
Western Civ.
4/9/13
Primary Source Assignment #2 I am Gui le Gros, a Norman abbot, who was born into a very wealthy aristocratic family. My cousin, Henry the Fearful, is the head of our noble family and is in great prominence with the King of France. To commemorate the completion of the king’s new cathedral, my cousin wishes to chronicle the history of our glorious province of Normandy from its beginning in 911 to the current year. My cousin put me in charge of this task, so it is up to me to portray the history of Normandy and its people for the king. During this time European people began to advance economically, politically, and socially. Advancements in agriculture allowed the people to produce enough food to support the growing population. A feudal system began to take place that would shape Europe for history. Through these changing times, Normandy was a central focus for multiple nations. . (Brohpy, Cole, Robertson, and et al 350-353)
Normandy is a province in North Western France, and the history of it begins with the conquest of England. After the Danish king Canute died, Edward the confessor took power over England. However, Edward did not have any children leading to a dispute over who would be his heir. The Anglo-Saxons decided to pick one of their own to be the heir. Harold Godwinson became the new king but he was quickly challenged but others who also believed they had claims to the throne. Harold Hardradi of Norway was the first challenge. He landed in Northern England with an army ready to take the throne. He, however, was defeated by Godwinson at the battle of Stamford Bridge. This victory was to be short-lived because he would soon have to face another contender for the throne. Duke William of Normandy was the cousin of Edward the Confessor and claimed he was promised the throne after Edward’s death. He wanted to take what he believed was rightfully his so he prepared a full scale invasion of England. He sailed across the English Channel and assaulted England. The Anglo Saxon king, Godwinson, was killed at the Battle of Hastings which allowed William to take the throne. William established a feudal system in England and divided the land between his followers. He made all the people swear loyalty to him and recognize him as their lord. The Norman conquest of Anglo Saxon England also had implications on France because the new king of England, William of Normandy, now owns land in France. Normandy now had more power than the French Kings. Henry I became the ruler after William. He was just as an effective leader as William was. Henry established a financial and law department. Money was very important in maintaining power during this time. The Financial department, or the exchequer, help make sure the kingdom could uphold its financial standing. The law department and courts allowed the king to have control over its vassals. Henry II, Henry I’s successor, continued to use and improved on the same policies that Henry I established. He also increased English power in France through his marriage with Eleanor of Aquitaine. This English power would have grown if not for Henry’s successor’s flaws. After his death his eldest son, Richard, became king but he quickly died due to an infected battle wound. His younger John became king which marked a turning point in English rule. Unlike his predecessors, he was not a successful leader and was very unpopular with the people of England. They rebelled against John and attacked London forcing the king to retreat. John was forced to sign the Manga Carta which was a charter that limited the power of the king. The charter established that the king was not above the law and it prevented him from imposing on noblemen’s traditional rights. It also forbade the king for imposing any taxes without the consult of governed bodies made up of noblemen called Parliaments. Parliament eventually began to rule England. (Brohpy, Cole, Robertson, and et al 371-377) It was under King Johns rule that the French, under King Phillip II, reclaimed Normandy along with a few other English holdings. Through these conquests Phillip acquired great wealth. He then developed a new way of sustaining control over France by assigning bailiffs to collect taxes and represent his interest instead of relying on the feudal hierarchy to govern the lands. Phillip was followed by Louis IX who continued to help France prosper. He was a religious man who cared for the poor and went to church daily. He also was a fond advocate of justice and kept order among his people. He became the first king to legislate for all of France. He also established the Parlement of Paris as the highest authority in France. Louis died on a crusade and was recognized as a saint by the church. (Brohpy, Cole, Robertson, and et al 378-385)

Bibliography * Brohpy, James, Joshua Cole, John Robertson, et al. Perspectives from the Past. 4th. 1. New York, London: Norton & Company, 2009. 371-377. Print. * Brohpy, James, Joshua Cole, John Robertson, et al. Perspectives from the Past. 4th. 1. New York, London: Norton & Company, 2009. 378-385. Print. * Brohpy, James, Joshua Cole, John Robertson, et al. Perspectives from the Past. 4th. 1. New York, London: Norton & Company, 2009. 350-353. Print.