PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Normans were the descendants of vikings who had settled on the peninsula of Normandy in France. They founded the English monarchy and ruled over the existing Germanic peoples. Their feudal government was highly centralized, and modeled after the Norman Duke's government in France. The system consisted of kings who ruled over lords, who ruled the vassals.
Duke William of Normandy, or William the Conqueror, led the Norman Invasion into England in 1066.
The Normans were successful in their invasion because they had papal support, which in turn allowed them to form a large army fairly quickly. King Edward of England had promised the throne to him. However, when Edward died Harold Godwineson, Edward's brother-in-law, was named king by England's leaders. William used the broken promise to gain the pope's support for his cause.
On October 14, King Harold took up a defensive position along a ridge and awaited William's assault. The ensuing battle caused the death of Harold, and spelled the end of the English army. After the Battle of Hastings, William marched his force to London, defeating any resistance he met along the way. He entered the city in December and had himself crowned on Christmas Day.
Both the Capetians, who ruled France, and the Normans, who ruled England, faced the challenges of various vassels who attempted to expand their power and their lands. In addition, the two frequently fought with each other because the Normans repeatedly tried to expand their rule into France.
