The Rise of the French in Medieval Europe, 400-1200

Time, invaders, and the economies of the day put the evolution of great civilizations to the test. Their survival, however, depends on their leadership and how these leaders cope with a changing society. The French have a long and illustrious history that began to rise as the English and the Germans were forming their own, independent, societies. These peoples now make up today's great societies. Between the years of 400 and 1200 A.D., the French region saw a great many changes, both in leadership and society. Three families ruled the region within the Holy Roman Empire: the Merovingi…