Annals Of Xanten Essay Research Paper Feudal

Annals Of Xanten Essay, Research Paper Feudal Monarchy. The twelfth century can be attributed to the emergence of feudal monarchs in Western Europe. Historical events and determined leaders contributed to the growth of royal authority after it was a weak kingship under feudalism for a long period of time. King Louis VI of France faced many hardships in providing order, securing peace and protecting his people; some of these royal duties have been neglected as a result of an inefficient central government. Based on the feudal custom, it was up to the lords to create order within their manor. One such lord, Thomas of Marle, abused his power without any fear for punishment. His hunger for rule, land, and riches caused him to violently seek it. Thomas executed the clergy, burned

towns and slaughtered the people, in seeking the land of the Church. He also went after the rich, seized their property and possessions, to increase his own domain. Thomas? actions were done during the time that King Louis VI was fighting wars to defend his kingdom and ensure security. This and the undeveloped communication made it impossible for the King to respond faster to the cruelty. Thomas of Marle was able to obtain much of the Church?s territory and two manors. He built walls and towers around his newly acquired property and still felt no remorse for the deaths and destruction of many. The Church of France finally gathered its clergy to an assembly where it was decided to take action against the tyrant. Since the Church wasn?t physically able to step up to Thomas itself,

due to its lack of military, it was assumed that King Louis would do the job, given that he made a promise to protect the Church when taking office. Church?s decision served as a ?blessing? to Louis VI in attacking Thomas? castle. King Louis VI easily defeated the men of Thomas of Marle. He avenged the Church by punishing the ?wicked? people in the same manner as they tortured the residents of the land; church?s property was restored. These just actions promoted the sense of law in France and won Louis the admiration of many. Not only he won the favor of the people, but he had also proved himself to be a successful military leader. Louis had made sure that no heirs of Thomas succeed to power in that town and by this he further intervened in the affairs of feudal manors. Such

intrusion accomplished him to be recognized as an ultimate authority, something he had desired the whole time. Louis VII of France took a different approach to increasing his power. He seemed to be more interested in augmenting his status by acquiring more wealth, rather than through actions, as Louis VI did. Preceding and during the reign of Louis VII, the local towns have been emerging as the centers for commerce and trade. This resulted in substantial increase in the standard of living of general public. With time, the balance of wealth was noticeably shifting to the public side rather than the one of the royalty. As people obtained more money they assumed more power and such wasn?t favored by superior rule, thus the need for regulation developed. King Louis VII issued

charters of privileges to the towns under jurisdiction. He had used feudal custom of homage to ensure that his regulations are carried faithfully out. In his charter for Lorris, Louis VII tried to be in all ways supportive of commerce and growth of cities. Collection of land tax and fines were the primary sources of income. Neither individual tax, nor tolls were imposed on residents of Lorris; anything that would inhibit trade was abolished. Even detaining one in prison was ruled out because would halt that individual?s place in economic society. Many were incapable of paying the tax and therefore selling of property was made a little bit easier. The king relied on the buyer?s intelligence to improve the land so he can furnish the payments. Being unable to pay encouraged many to