Which of the following was more important as a motive for wars in the reign of Charlemagne? (i) Extending Christianity (ii) Increasing the size of the empire. Explain your answer with reference to (i) and (ii).

Charlemagne, the Frankish king who ruled from 768 to 814, was a pivotal figure in European history, forging an empire that stretched from Spain to the Baltic Sea. His reign witnessed a period of intense military expansion, fueled by both religious and political ambitions. While both the desire to spread Christianity and the ambition to enlarge his empire played a significant role in his wars, it was the latter - increasing the size of the empire - that ultimately held greater weight. This essay will explore the evidence for both motives, ultimately concluding that, although Charlemagne was driven by both, territorial expansion was the primary driver of his military campaigns.

(i) Extending Christianity: A Powerful Motivator

Charlemagne’s fervent belief in Christianity undoubtedly influenced his military campaigns. He saw himself as a defender of the faith and actively sought to convert pagan populations. The destruction of the Irminsul, a sacred Germanic religious symbol, in 772, signaled his intention to eradicate paganism from his realm. His campaigns against the Saxons, who resisted forced conversion, were also driven by his religious zeal. Charlemagne’s brutality towards the Saxons, including mass executions and deportations, demonstrates the intensity of his commitment to spreading Christianity. He utilized the Church as an integral part of the Saxon administration, establishing bishoprics and monasteries to solidify Christian rule and ensure the preservation of the faith. This demonstrates his belief that a conquered population needed to be Christianized for the empire to be truly secure.

One could argue that Charlemagne’s relationship with the papacy, notably his intervention in the affairs of Lombardy, was driven by his desire to protect the Church. Charlemagne’s military intervention in Italy, where he deposed the Lombard king Desiderius and crowned himself King of the Lombards, could be interpreted as a defense of the papacy and the Catholic faith. However, the strategic importance of Lombardy as a key territory in the Italian peninsula was also a significant factor.


(ii) Increasing the Size of the Empire: The Driving Force

Whilst Charlemagne certainly viewed himself as the defender of Christianity, it is crucial to acknowledge that he was also a shrewd and ambitious ruler who sought to expand his power and influence. The conquest of Bavaria in 788 was strategically motivated. Bavaria’s location, as a corridor to central Europe, provided Charlemagne with access to new territories and resources. This conquest also secured the Frankish frontiers against potential threats from the east.


Similarly, Charlemagne’s campaigns against the Avars were prompted by the territorial expansion of his empire. After conquering Saxony and Bavaria, Charlemagne’s empire bordered the Avar territories. The Avars posed a threat to his newly acquired lands, and Charlemagne’s campaigns aimed at securing these territories and expanding his dominion further east.


Charlemagne’s involvement in Spain, while less conclusive, also suggests territorial expansion was a primary motive. The motivations behind his campaigns against the Muslims in Spain remain debated. Some argue they were inspired by a desire to spread Christianity, others by the allure of new territories and wealth. However, considering the strategic importance of the Pyrenees as a natural barrier to Frankish territory, the campaign against the Muslims can also be interpreted as a move towards securing his northern border.


Conclusion

While both the desire to extend Christianity and the ambition to enlarge his empire played a role in Charlemagne’s wars, the latter was undeniably the driving force. The conquest of Bavaria, the campaigns against the Avars, and even his involvement in Spain, all point towards a clear objective of territorial expansion. Charlemagne’s religious zeal undoubtedly fueled his actions, but ultimately, his conquests were motivated by securing his power, expanding his influence, and establishing the foundations of a vast and enduring empire.