Memoirs

Memoirs

Introduction

The Carolingian Empire fell into decline immediately following the death of Charlemagne (742-814) and the ascension to power of his son, Louis I the Pious (768-840). A bad ruler and an even worse soldier, Louis faced increasingly bold Viking raiders just as his sons, squabbling over their inheritances, launched a civil war. For almost 50 years something approaching anarchy ruled Carolingian Europe as a result of this combination—continuous dynastic civil wars laced with frequent Viking raids. As the central authority of the Carolingian Empire fell into decline, the power of the nobility increased. In Germany more so than in France (where rulers would remain nominally Carolingian for another century), the nobles' growing power meant that old tribal organizations suddenly became independent duchies. And it opened the door to Europe for Muslim raiders from North Africa.

Discussion

Central authority continued to decline in Germany until it was revived by the coming to power of a talented soldier, diplomat, and administrator named Henry the Fowler (r. 919-936) (Henry I). It was his son, Otto I the Great (912-973) who would decisively defeat the Muslims at the battle of Lechfield and, in effect, create a new Holy Roman Empire. But before he faced the Magyars, Otto was forced to put down two rebellions in the early years of his reign.

The first was led by his half brother, Thankmur (fl. 10th century), and lasted less than a year during 938-939. The second was more serious and lasted longer, from 939 to 941. A group of German nobles, led by Otto's younger brother Henry (fl. 10th century), launched a civil war once they had secured the backing of France's Louis IV (920-954). Otto won major victories in the 940 battle of Xanten and at the battle of Andernach in 941. These triumphs brought Lorraine under German control and enhanced Otto's power. Despite Henry's thwarted plot to murder his brother, Otto forgave him, although he severely punished his rebellious coconspirators. Henry remained loyal ever afterward and, in 947, Otto made him duke of Bavaria. Otto likewise bestowed the other German dukedoms on his relatives.

Under Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII (ca. 1275-1313), the various princes of Germany, along with local church authorities, gained much power at the expense of the Holy Roman Empire and the papacy. Thus, many German princes felt entitled to even more when Henry died in 1313, and conflict developed over Henry's successor. Most of the princes ...