Overview Of The Great Charlemagne History Essay

Postclassical changes in western Europe allowed the Carolingian realm to reestablish its once powerful European society from previous disruptions. Under the leadership of Charlemagne, the Franks were able to influence political, social, and cultural developments in western Europe, which were distinct from all former postclassical societies. Such are the wars and campaigns Charlemagne had in mind, portraying the authority he imposed as the ruler of the Franks. Charlemagne’s inspiration drew from the potential he thought the Frankish realm had, in hopes of engaging in communication and relations with neighboring empires. The policies he introduced enabled western Europe to recover and strengthen itself into a centralized imperial form of government. The Franks temporarily revived Europe with Charlemagne providing a sense of direction.

Charlemagne inherited the throne from 768 to 814. With this inheritance of the Frankish throne, he played the role as a conqueror molded by Germanic ambitions. Charlemagne continuously extended his authority through military campaigns, resulting in an empire that stretched from France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany to Spain, Bavaria, and Italy: imperial state. As a conqueror, Charlemagne imposed his rule for 32 years, effectively repressing rebellions and requiring tribute from conquered regions. Continuously campaigning in Italy enabled Pope Leo III to recognize the effort Charlemagne put into building an imperial state. Hesitant to take the title of emperor, the pope insisted on an impromptu coronation that left Byzantine emperors and the Western Roman Empire in strained relations. Charlemagne was committed to the Roman church and this allowed him to exercise his skills in spreading Christianity and expanding the Carolingian empire into Italy. As the newly crowned emperor, Charlemagne held the responsibility of reestablishing and reviving the early medieval European empire.

Charlemagne had the will and military skills to keep the Carolingian empire together. He drew energy from himself to deal with Harun al-Rashid in order to form diplomatic relations between the Byzantine and Abbasid empires. This indicated the opportunity western Europe had to restore itself into being a successful empire similar to its neighboring realms. Diplomatic relations in trade and travels provided Europe an access and opportunity, which Charlemagne took into his hands, to tightly control Europe under a centralized imperial form of government. Resolving such issues between religious boundaries of the Christians and Muslims became necessary and convenient for future communications. These methods helped create a more centralized form of government because of the constant monitoring Charlemagne did of his realm. This came from the concern that local authorities might become too independent from the interests of a central government. Personal ambitions contributed to his constant travels in order to implement his rule. The deep commitment to Roman Christianity also provided the Carolingians political services. Inspired to gain an alliance with educated, literate, and Christian individuals, Charlemagne became more motivated to promote his campaigns under the recognition and backings of the Christian population. Postclassical changes in the early medieval era became a serious issue that Charlemagne was willing to face.

These inspirations Charlemagne drew from, further formed policies that served as the foundations to the developments of the European society. The dispatch of embassies was thought to resolve issues regarding safe travels between Christian and Abbasid territory, neighboring relations with Muslim Spain, and policies toward Byzantium. The recovery of the western European realm allowed for the restoration of political order, economic revival, and Christian authority as the principal source to Roman stability. Charlemagne was remembered for his encouragement of education from educated, literate individuals. Such political and education services churchmen provided increased literacy in the Latin language, brought a better understanding to Christian doctrines, held an explosion in writing, and inspired Charlemagne to continue asserting his political hegemony. Lastly, military campaigns acted as a policy which protected the Roman papacy and expanded the Carolingian realm. Lacking financial resources for a bureaucracy and administrative apparatus resulted in the reliance on aristocratic deputies and missi dominici to pursue the interests of the central government. Legal, political, and military authority in the early middle ages enhanced the effectiveness of these policies and the well being of the newly established Europe.

Charlemagne’s inheritance of the Frankish realm proved to be crucial for the foundation of a Christian society in western Europe. The control and authority Charlemagne put forth provided a sense of direction for the reinstatement of Europe. The role Charlemagne played in being a conqueror and emperor validated the importance of reestablishing a temporary imperial rule. Political ambitions and strong will prevailed in Charlemagne because his inspirations developed into the pursuit of stability in Europe. Ultimately, an ideal centralized western Europe under the rule of Charlemagne included policies which served as the foundation and development of an effective realm. The establishment of a powerful Europe relied on Charlemagne’s inspiration and policies because his efforts made it possible for Europe to move past prior struggles that impeded a strong, prosperous society from emerging.

Word Count: 814