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

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Simon Lock

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 Philip’s advancement of the administrative system in Paris helped establish what can be described as a cultural and financial revival.

        The Feudo-Vassalic hierarchy established by Philip’s Capetian predecessors is of undeniable importance for Philip during his reign. This system was rigorously enforced by Philip throughout his reign, especially the importance given to paying homage and positioning himself as overlord and top of the feudal pyramid. The legal importance and authority that this position gave him allowed him to play a more active role in the affairs within and outside of France. The reinforcement of his position as suzerain is best shown through Philip’s regular assemblies with a national composition which were used to deal with regional matters. The assemblies at Chinon in 1205 and Soissons in 1213 are good examples of this. Homage was incredibly important in extending the sphere of influence of the royal household and commanding legal authority, for example the homage received from Simon de Montefort improved French power in Southern France and forged new diplomatic relations. However, such important diplomatic successes would not have been possible without the establishment and continuation of a feudal-style system by Capetian monarchs such as Louis VI. Although the system formed in the early 12th century was fairly primitive and far smaller than that achieved by Philip, it did provide a basis for legal authority and power that would be so useful for Philip when dealing with contumacious vassals.

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        As well as providing the invaluable feudal system that aided Philip throughout his reign, his predecessors were also responsible for a continued good relationship with the papacy and a loyal Frankish church. Although not as important to the same extent as the feudal system, the advantage of a favourable papacy should not be underestimated. The underlying theme that dominated Philip’s relationship with the pope was that concerning his marriage, especially to Ingeborg of Denmark, whom he despised and wished to divorce. The argument, which was made more severe by Philip’s “adulterous” marriage to Aignes of Meran, certainly cooled relations, but ...

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