Which were the strongest monarchies in medieval Europe, and which were the weakest? What accounts for their strength or weakness?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The ideal answer should include:
a. The factors that made France and England strong monarchies were political unity, popular acceptance of royal sovereignty, effective border control, an efficient bureaucracy, and commitment to the rule of law.
b. In France, the baillis staffed the royal bureaucracy, which strengthened the monarchy's control of the country. The introduction of a system of judicial appeals promoted the rule of law.
c. In England, political unity was achieved under William I the Conqueror, who created a hierarchy of nobles personally loyal to him. Later English kings would implement judicial reforms that would have a lasting effect (for example, the grand jury system and trial by jury).
d. Internal divisions weakened the Holy Roman Empire, which comprised Germany and northern Italy.
e. Germany was made up of different ethnic groups and controlled by powerful dukes who assumed the role of imperial vassals. The Holy Roman Emperor's control over his vassals was weak.
f. The Holy Roman Empire had to use the military to maintain its hold on Italy.
g. The lack of support and the ineffectiveness of judicial reforms hindered the ability of the Holy Roman Empire to create a centralized monarchy.