Political Science 2237E Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Holy Roman Empire, Jean Bodin
27 Dec 2018
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Document Summary
Transition from age of empire to age of state. Hendrik spruyt - the sovereign state and its competitors: an analysis of systems change. In 1000 ad european civilization was inferior to all other civilizations. New dominance imposed through power applied by technology - use of gunpowder. Shared idea of unity - all viewed themselves as europeans. Based on shared past -> looks back on rome. Want unity that rome had - peace, shared unique language. Institutions that manifest unity: holy roman empire, roman catholic church. Units were small - estates, town protection (feudalism) Based on personal loyalty - pledge of loyalty in exchange for. People are loyal to people not nations. Emperor -> good lords -> lesser lords -> local lords -> peasants. Appears strong but is actually really fragile. 2 swords theory: lords and church are equal. They are supposed to be equal but the secular power is holding the sword.
