High to late medieval, what time and which important events?

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My theory comparing Germany & England: 1065/66 begins the High period because 1) Henry I's minority ends (1065) in Germany, Italy, & Burgundy, starting a new age in the Empire and a definite break from the "original" Ottonian/early Salian HRE. 2) Duke William of Normandy conquered England (1066), again, heralding the end of the Anglo-Saxon dynasty and beginning a new era there.

This period ends 1272/73. The fall of the Staufen was followed by the Interregnum (-1273), which forms another clear break in German/imperial history. The German throne was now contested by the Hapsburgs, Luxemburgs, & Wittelsbachs while Italy & Burgundy were lost. In England, Henry III's reign (-1272) marks the transition from Angevin Empire to "native" English kingdom, Edward I being the first king to bear an Anglo-Saxon name since 1066. Another similarity: after 1272/73, the German kings drop their traditional vassalization policy towards the eastern kingdoms and try to assume direct rule; England does the same towards the Celtic principalites.

In 1486, Maximilian I is crowned King of Germany, beginning an entirely new period in whats left of the Empire. The struggle for the throne is over: its now Hapsburg exclusively. In 1485, Henry VII Tudor ends the Wars of the Roses and again, starts a new era for England.

So, this rough comparison gives some convenient general dates for Germany & England: High (1065/66-1272/73), Late (1272/73-1485/86).

 

[Sire Philippe]

Originally posted by KriegHund
for france i think (any french is free to say otherwise)

High Middle Ages : from the foundation of the kingdom of France (451) to the first crusade (1095)
Medium : 1095 to Philipe Augustus (first king who will not crowned his son during his life ; crushing of great vassals ; first move against england's possession in france)
late : philipe augustus to the end of the hundred years war... or the Italian wars.

Some personnal changes :

from Clovis (496 ?) to Treaty of Verdun (843) : expansion and crisis of the first frank monarchy. Before 843, France is not yet. After, she is.

from 843 to start 13th century : feodal France era. During this period, King is a little prince, and each province constitute his own personnalty (sometimes always alive).

from Philippe Auguste to 1477 (death of Charles of Burgundy) : expansion, crisis and final victory of king's power. During this period, King become the first prince in the kingdom but must fight to constitute a political entity. Some vassals, some "foreign" powers can always have a lot of influence in kingdom's life.

start 16th century : all vassals are submited, "foreign" powers repulsed, king's domain start to become all the kingdom. Road is long, but absolutism is the next stage...