GERMANY Flashcards
What theme is presented regarding the Germans in the Second Half-Millennium (526–983 AD)?
The Germans restore Rome, but in doing so, undermine their own cultural identity and future nationhood.
Where do the Franks settle and what is their relationship with Rome?
Franks settle permanently in Romanized Germania (modern Holland/Belgium) and become loyal foederati of Rome.
What characterizes the military elite of the Franks?
Bicultural military elite (Latin + German) build fortified towns and remain rooted.
How do the Franks differ from other tribes like the Goths and Vandals?
Unlike other tribes, they don’t migrate or collapse.
Who defeats the last Roman pretender in Gaul and converts to Christianity?
Clovis (r. 481–511) defeats the last Roman pretender and converts to Christianity (496 AD).
What dynasty emerges from the Merovingians?
The Merovingians emerge as a dynasty ruling a hybrid Roman-Germanic state from the Rhine base.
What significant battle does Charles Martel win in 732 AD?
Charles Martel halts Muslim advance at the Battle of Tours.
What is the significance of the Deal of Saint-Denis in 754 AD?
Pope Stephen II anoints Pepin and his sons, marking the first Papal visit north of the Alps.
What model for medieval Christendom emerges from the Frankish alliance with the Church?
Franks exchange military defense of the Church for legitimacy, leading to kings deriving authority through Church-sanctioned coronation.
What does Charlemagne aim to restore during his reign (768–814 AD)?
Charlemagne is committed to restoring Roman language (Latin), education, and Church authority.
What is the significance of the Carolingian Renaissance?
It represents a revival of Roman culture under Charlemagne’s rule.
What capital crime is instituted by Charlemagne in 785 AD?
Refusing baptism becomes a capital crime.
What title is Charlemagne given in 800 AD?
Crowned Emperor of the Romans in Rome by Pope Leo III.
What is the seal used to signify Charlemagne’s rule?
Renovatio Romani Imperii → Renewal of the Roman Empire.
What irony exists regarding Charlemagne’s rule and German culture?
While a German sits on Rome’s throne, German culture and language fade as Latin becomes dominant.
What happens to Charlemagne’s empire after his death?
The empire collapses under his heirs (Treaty of Verdun, 843 AD).
What are the three divisions of Charlemagne’s empire after the Treaty of Verdun?
- West Francia (France)
- East Francia (Germany)
- Middle Francia (Lotharingia)
What is the significance of the Strasbourg Oaths (842 AD)?
First recorded diplomatic use of German and French.
What does East Francia become in the context of German identity?
East Francia becomes the German realm, but identity is murky and still forming.
What geographical feature becomes significant to the Germans as a border?
Elbe becomes to Germans what the Rhine was to Caesar — a tempting, dangerous eastern border.
What political structure do the Germans revive after the Carolingians fail?
Germans revive elective kingship.
Who is crowned in 936 AD atop Charlemagne’s throne?
Otto I (‘the Great’).
What significant battle does Otto I win in 955 AD?
Otto crushes Magyars at the Battle of Lechfeld.
What is Otto I’s claim to the Roman Emperor title based on?
Translatio imperii (transfer of Roman authority to Germans).
What does Otto I’s reign lead to in terms of German frontiers?
While seeking imperial glory, German frontiers weaken and nobles gain autonomy.
What event in 983 AD pushes Germans back across the Elbe?
Great Slav Revolt.
What does the Great Slav Revolt mirror from Roman history?
Mirrors Roman loss of Germania in 9 AD.
What Christian realms form outside German control during this period?
- Slavs (Poles)
- Czechs
- Hungarians
What is the geographical status of Germany by the end of this period?
Germany is no longer on Europe’s edge — it’s surrounded by rival Christian kingdoms.
