THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE AND THE CHURCH

 

After Charlemagne died in 814, Germany split into many states. Powerful nobles ruled the states. In time, a German king was crowned Holy Roman Empire. Later emperors tried to unifythe empire. However, conflicts with powerful German nobles prevented the emperors from succeeding. In addition, emperors and popes clashed over who had the right to pick bishops. The conflict continued because most nobles supported the pope. Finally, in 1122, the pope and emperor reached a settlement about choosing bishops.

 

During the 1100s and 1200s, Holy Roman emperors tried to gain control of Italy. However, the pope and his Italian allies defeated the emperors. While the emperors focused attention on Italy, German nobles grew more independent. When French and English kings grew stronger, the rulers of Germany stayed divided.

 

During the 1200s, the Church was very powerful. Pope Gregory vii and Pope Innocent iii believed that the pope should have more power than any other ruler. Rulers who objected were excommunicated. After the 1200s, the power of the pope declined.

 

STRUGGLES BETWEEN EMPERORS AND POPES

 

Conflict

* Emperors and Popes both want to choose Church officials-----

 

Resolution

*They reach a compromise.

*Emperor grants land to bishops.

*Pope chooses bishops and gives them spiritual power.

 

Conflict

*Emperor and Pope fight over land in N. Italy.

 

Resolution

*Pope and his Italian allies defeat Emperor.

 

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