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Why could neither William II or Robert Curthose re-unite the Anglo-Norman…
Why could neither William II or Robert Curthose re-unite the Anglo-Norman Kingdom?
Decision to divide the kingdom by Will I
Dividing the kingdoms unravels Will I greatest achievement of uniting the Anglo-Norman kingdom
Created a conflict of loyalty for the Anglo-Norman magnates, viewed it as impossible to serve two lords in two lands, support for Rob as thought Will II was too harsh (feared of losing land)
This conflict led to the 1088 rebellion led by Bishop Odo, just 3 month after death of Will shows 2 leaders would never work
6/10 greatest barons from Domesday book rebelling against Will II, never able to unite the kingdom without the support of them
Inability to overthrow one another
Will control over both when Rob on crusade shows benefits of one ruler, Welsh revolt crushed 1097 and able to push Philip back to the Vexin
Robert wouldn't have had ambition for 1088 rebellion if not been for magnates. Only visited England a few times thus had no attachment, all previous struggles to do with Normandy and only just become Duke so needed to establish control, thus never made it to rebellion
Williams 1091 campaign in Normandy - Buying support using England's superior wealth , however when arrives in February 1091 no fighting and instead peace deal @ Rouen, became each others heir and pledge of support against enemies. Sign that neither were ruthless enough to overthrow
Will gives $6,666 to Rob to fund his crusade in exchange for Normandy whilst he's gone, shows how Will would co-operate with Brother rather than take whilst gone
Inability to consistently co-operate
Post Rouen working v well together, successful siege against Henry straight after treaty, both go to Scotland and deal with King Malcom, at this point AN Kingdom looking relatively united
However, unity only lasts 2 years as William showed no commitment to helping Rob deal with increasing threat of Maine, end of 1093 deal collapsing
Leads to Will's March 1094 invasion of Normandy
Geographically very difficult as well, channel very hard to cross as shown William I waiting pre Hastings, even William found the time to cross difficult as well as shown by losing land in Normandy due to being stuck in England
Intervention of 3rd parties
March 1094 Will on the offensive following collapse of Rouen deal, army advancing in Normandy
Philip of France halts the advance though as he knew that a united Kingdom posed a large threat to his kingdom rather than the current one
When William unable to return to Normandy in 1095 due to issues in England he pays Henry to continue the offensive against Rob, furthers the divides between the brothers and ruins chances of co-operation