Analyse the Reasons why Philip II (1180-1223) was able to establish France as a major power in Medieval Europe

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Analyse the Reasons why Philip II (1180-1223) was able to establish France as a major power in Medieval Europe

By the time of Philip's death in 1223, the demesne controlled by the French monarch was over four times greater than the land controlled by his father Louis VII. Philip had successfully overcome opponents from both the Angevin and German Empires and directly caused the disintegration of the Angevin Empire in Europe under King John. He established a French Kingdom which was far more financially stable and diplomatically important in the politics of Medieval Europe as well as militarily stronger compared to its opponents. Part of the reason for Philip's drastic enlargement of French royal authority was the platform obtained by the accomplishments of his predecessors in providing a stable kingdom from which power could be acquired. However, the weakness of his opponents; especially that of King John certainly aided Philip's geographical expansion into areas such as Western France. The absence of many nobles due to the continuing crusades also aided Philip in his consolidation of power. Another significant reason for Philip's success was a stronger military force and military presence than had been used by France before. Also