Discussion # 7, 4.1 Online: Charlemagne

Topic:

In the 770s, Charlemagne waged a series of wars against the Saxons across the Rhine River. The wars were an opportunity for plunder, expansion, and conversion. The Saxons had remained resolutely pagan and rejected any attempt to Christianize them. Christian missionaries had a difficult time in spreading their message since Saxony lacked a centralized government or a powerful aristocracy. There was no unified kingdom, instead it was divided into small villages--ruled by chieftains or councils of elders--that cooperated when necessary.

Directions:

Read the Charlemagne Document, your textbook and notes, do some careful research, and watch the videos on Charlemagne. This involves some role playing: Pretend you are an envoy of the Pope in Rome and you have been tasked with convincing Charlemagne to attack the pagan Saxons across the Rhine. What would you say to Charlemagne to convince him to carry out the Pope's request? How would Charlemagne benefit from this action?

This post should be your own words and there is no right or wrong answer. Your points will be based on completion of the assignment (based on the rubric) and whether you use support from the readings, lecture, or internet. 5 points total, 3 for your initial post and 2 for replying to someone's post. Your post should be about a paragraph long and your reply to someone's post should also be about a paragraph.

I recommend that you create your initial post by Nov 18 at 11:59 pm so that others may have an opportunity to reply.

You must also contribute a Response to 1 classmate's post: Read another student's post and pretend you are a Saxon and you are present when the Pope's envoy is speaking to Charlemagne. You have come to meet with Charlemagne to ask him to NOT attack your people. What would you say in response to the Pope's request? Why should the Pope and Charlemagne respect your religious beliefs? Would you offer anything to preserve the peace?

Posts can have more than one reply. Follow the netiquette guidelines below and use evidence to support or disagree with the original post. This is not a place for insults or arguments so use proper language such as "I understand your concerns, but..."

Your Response is due by Nov 20, at 11:59 pm. 

• There is no option to turn this assignment in late.
• Click on the reply button, below to get started.

Purpose:

To evaluate student's critical analysis of historical events.

Rubric:

To view the rubric attached to this discussion, click on the gear box in the upper right and select Show Rubric. 

Netiquette:

• Be kind and respectful to others
• Use full sentences
• Avoid jargon and acronyms
• Use language that supports others