5.2 assess the reasons why aethelstan wanted greater links with the continent Flashcards
What is the Continent?
The rest of Europe
What were the 3 reasons why Aethelstan wanted more contact with the Continent?
-Military power
-Religious reform
-Political advantage
Why might it be difficult for Aethelstan to achieve better/more contact with the Continent? (3)
-Aethelstan is illegitimate
-Primogeniture applies to the Continent, eventhough it doesn’t to England
-Negative opinion on the Anglo-Saxons
What is a military reason why Aethelstan wanted more contact with the Continent? Explain (3)
-To gain/lend advice on fighting the Vikings
-Vikings had been a problem on the Continent (Frankia and Norway) and England for a long time
-Ran off from Frankia om 892 but returned in 895
Give a counter argument for the military reason on why Aethelstan wanted more contact with the Continent? (3)
-Contact seems to have been more one-sided in the Continent’s favour
-Buhrs were used in Saxony
-Aethelwulf’s (Alfred’s dad) primogeniture was copied in North Frankia to prevent further feuding
-Aethelstand already had some success in dealing with Vikings>military was an UNLIKELY motive
What is a religious reason why Aethelstan wanted more contact with the Continent? (3)
-Aethelstan arranged the marriage of his sister Eadhild to Hugh the Great (France)
-Used the opportunity to obtain many high status relics (significant physical remains) for England
-More relics>more religious protection/influence/status
Give a counter argument for the religious reason on why Aethelstan wanted more contact with the Continent? (3)
-Extent of religious exchange is hard to document
-Aethelstan was still not permitted to have ‘major’ relics from Rome
-Implies that any attempt at religious power was unsuccessful
What is a political reason why Aethelstan wanted more contact with the Continent? (4)
-Control over the Frankish heir enabled Aethelstan to have more influence long term and allowed other advantageous marriages
-E.g. his half sister Eadhild to Hugh the Great
-Aethelstan’s power extended further
-Gives England a say in what is decided on the Continent alongside trade deals and religious interactions
Give a counter argument for the political reason on why Aethelstan wanted more contact with the Continent? (4)
-Political influence was dependent on an individual basis
-Some of the deals were long term plans which may not work out
-Unclear to what extent he had influence
-No guarantee that these alliances would exist after Aethelstan’s death
