A proper examination of the medieval period especially concerning politics, power, and religion reveals critical historical facts that help one understand the events that took place as well as the outcomes. A key factor that arises is the rise of power of both the pope/papacy, as well as the Catholic Church in Europe. The main factor that can be attributed to this is a sequence of alliances as well critical political strategies that saw the Catholic Church and the pope become an influential force in Europe (Pavlac, 2011). However, with this ascension to power, there were critical implications for the region with suppression and excessive control coming from the pope and the church taking place. Following the rise to power of the Catholic Church as well as its influence on the region provides a critical understanding of the medieval period especially concerning power and political environment and makes up the main objective of this paper.
The first aspect to examine is that of the ascension to power of the papacy and the Catholic Church. A key item that is identified concerning how this took place is a succession of political alliances as well as strategies implemented by the popes that were present in the medieval period. For instance, a key alliance between the Catholic Church and the Carolingians is highlighted as one of the major factors that contribute to the rise of power for the papacy. This alliance saw the Carolingians grow in power and influence as they conquered various empires in Europe expanded their influence as well as ensured that the Church also enjoyed the same benefits (Pavlac, 2011). This was achieved by rewarding papacy support with annexed lands as well as other political benefits. This resulted in an increased strength of the church and provided the pope who was at the time its central figure with increased political power and influence in the region.
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In the above sections, the paper has introduced a key phenomenon in the medieval period that is the rise to power of the Catholic Church and its central figure. Also, key influencers that provided support such as the Carolingians are also highlighted to provide improved comprehension. However, another key factor that should also be examined is the numerous outcomes that resulted with the rise to power of the Catholic Church as well as the papacy. In its effort to consolidate influence in the European region both during as well as post-medieval the Church is responsible for conducting key suppression tactics to numerous communities and kingdoms in the region. For instance, one can look at the Iconoclastic controversy as a key example of the papacy demonstrating as well as exerting its powers in the region (Pavlac, 2011). This is just one of the key outcomes that resulted from the ascension to power by the church and the pope.
In the above section, the paper identifies some of the major outcomes that resulted from the rise of power of the Catholic Church and the papacy. Exerting its strong political influence resulted in both bureaucracies as well as intimidation as the pope sought to increase power in the region. For example, there are instances where the church was identified as exerting a strong influence in the political affairs of the numerous states and kingdoms that had accepted the Catholic Church (Pavlac, 2011). Thus, what should be understood is that after the rise to power of the papacy and church, what proceeded is an exertion of influence on their part in their affairs of those European regions that they were present. Growth also took place regarding aspect such as wealth, cardinals as well as clergy. This growth eventually consolidated the power of the papacy and the church in Europe.
After examining the developments as well as outcomes of the rise to power concerning the papacy as well as the Catholic Church, the last aspect to examine was the general outcome and whether it was beneficial or detrimental to Europe in the select period. Given the examples, provided it is clear that the rise to power and subsequent pursuit has both positive and negative outcomes to the region. For instance, one sees Europe become highly influential as a result of the church. However, the suppression that took place on both political and socio-economic issues had some negative impacts on the region and the people. This paper seems to identify more adverse outcome as compared to positive outcomes. For instance, the increased political power to the church deprived different communities the ability to achieve key objectives. The church and the papacy suppressed important aspects such as education and art during this period, and these can be identified as key examples of adverse outcomes resulting from the ascension to power of the Catholic Church.
To conclude on this subject matter, the medieval period represents a crucial historical period for European history. A key factor that is identified is the ascension to power of the Catholic Church and its central figure the pope. Through political alliances and key strategies, the institution became a critical political as well as socio-economic element in the region. There are critical factors that are identified regarding outcomes, with a general strengthening of the political powers in the region but key adverse outcomes also resulting from this. A key realization is that political influence was also a crucial element or objective of the Catholic Church and the papacy and was realized in the medieval period and consolidated afterward.
Reference
Pavlac, Brian A. (2011). A concise survey of western civilization; Supremacies and Diversities throughout history . Brown and Littlefield Publishers.
