Battle+of+Hastings

A portion of the Bayeux Tapestry, that depicts in detail the events of the Battle of Hastings http://cache.eb.com/eb/image?id=100096&rendTypeId=4 PD 1: Zach March and Brandon Hewitt


 * Explain the general information regarding the subject. (The who, what, where, when, and why)**

Edward the Confessor, King of England, died prior to naming and heir. There were three likely candidates: -Harold Godwinson, who had the approval of the Witengamot -King Hardrada of Norway and Denmark believed that he had a blood link -Willam, Duke of Normandy, claimed that Edward promised him the throne in 1051

Harold proceeded to be crowned King Harold II on January 6, 1066. William was furious, and proceeded to make preparations to invade England. William was able to obtain the blessing of Pope Alexander II, and landed on the beaches of England on September 28, 1066. By October 14, the first attack was begun. Initially, the Normans did not seize victory. However, Harold’s troops were somewhat unruly and thus would break from the main group and pursue retreating Normans. William used this to his advantage by feigning retreat. The English troops followed and were defeated. Finally, the Normans had conquered the English, and the conquest of England was imminent.

The Battle of Hastings impacted European history in the short run by srtipping the privileges and rights of the Saxon's. It also layed the ground work for the start of the enlgish feudal system that wasn't excepted by the people. This only lasted for a short period of time.
 * What impact did this event have on European history in the short run:**


 * What impact did this event have on European history in the long run? In other words, how did this event change European history?**

The Battle of Hastings impacted many aspects of European life. With the clash of the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons, two highly influential groups greatly impacted the culture, the country, and their outlooks on the world. Due to a Norman victory, the Saxons lost their rights and privileges as citizens which lead to numerous rebellions. Under the William and Norman rule, William was crowned King of England resulting in drastic changes in the entire governmental system. The reign of King William as England’s authoritative figure led to England’s current government. Though William’s style of government was not highly received by the people and Parliament has since taken the executive, judicial, and legislative powers from the Royal Family and, the history remains with a Royal Family presiding over present day England and other UK and European nations.

As England’s government changed, a new identity was cast over the region. A new language and culture were adopted. 300 years of Anglo-Saxon customs were thrown out and a French dialect was spread to conquered people. With new customs in order, William instituted his feudal system where the king offered his warriors a plot of land, known as a fief, in exchange for their loyalty. Loyalty of the people is what held the newly conquered kingdom together. The Anglo-Saxon land was then taken and given to his Norman followers. All of these changes came about refacing England with a new French look.

This battle impacted the world greatly because it brought in new changes in Enlgish law, culture, and language. The French dialect came out of the rule of William who took out the Anglo Saxon culture. That was big because it brought a whole new language that eventually spread throughout the entire world and now places like Africa, and Canada speak French.
 * What impact did this event have on the world? The event may not have made an immediate impact on the global stage, but its effects probably may have had a trickle down effect over many decades or centuries:**

Ericson, Karl W. "The Battle of Hastings." __WebChron__. 11 Dec 1998. 27 May 2008 <[|http://thenagain.info/WebChron/westeurope/Hastings.html>.] Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2004. "Battle of Hastings."
 * Sources:**