Answer:
The level of control that French kings had over their nobles can indeed be perceived as comparatively less than English kings. There are several reasons for this:
1. Feudalism: France had a more decentralized feudal system compared to England, where the central authority was weaker. In England, William the Conqueror established a strong centralized monarchy with clear legal norms and strong control over the nobles. In France, however, the power of the monarchy was more fragmented, and the nobles held significant regional power.
2. Geographic Size: France was much larger geographically than England, which made it more challenging for the French kings to exercise direct control over their nobles. The vastness of the French territory often limited the reach of royal authority, making it difficult to enforce complete control over the nobility.
3. Magnates and Pretenders: French kings faced constant challenges from powerful regional magnates and pretenders to the throne who sought to assert their independence. Nobles, such as Dukes of Burgundy, Brittany, and Aquitaine, held substantial power and often resisted the authority of the monarch. These nobles had their own military forces and territories, making it harder for the kings to control them.
4. Parlements and Estates General: In France, institutions like the Parlements (regional courts) and the Estates General (representative assembly) held significant power and influence. These institutions served as checks on royal authority and allowed the nobles to influence decision-making processes.
5. Wars: Frequent wars, both external conflicts and internal strife like the Hundred Years' War, weakened the power of the French monarchy and made it harder to maintain control over the nobles. These wars often resulted in power struggles, shifting alliances, and territorial disputes, further reducing the kings' control.
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