Canute The Great Dbq

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Paul J. Meyer once said “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” This quote is clearly evident in the life of Canute the Great. Although there are differences in the records around the time of the eleventh century in England, the results of Canute’s conquest are clearly evident. Despite discrepancies and missing information in the historical records of Canute’s life, the outcome of Canute the Great’s life was a mighty empire formed in a short time due to his skills as a leader. The eleventh century saw some large changing in the world. The Byzantine Empire started to decline in power and the crusades began in Jerusalem. Even though some things were…show more content…
Very soon after establishing himself as king, Swein died. He had only been king in England for five weeks. The reason is not known but most speculate that it was a deadly illness. The Danish soldiers must have thought highly of Canute because they chose him as the new king in England. The most amazing thing about their choice of Canute is that he would have been one of the youngest Vikings among them; this would mean that his skill and heritage is what made him their new leader. The English nobles despised this command that the Danish people had over them so they summoned Aethelred back to England to their council, the Witenagemot, to overthrow this dominion over…show more content…
He saved a smaller army; some say about 3000 men, as an elite bodyguard. In 1019, Canute’s older brother and ruler of Denmark, Harald died with no heirs to throne. Canute was the obvious choice of new ruler. A large problem Canute faced during his rule was the conflict between his Christian and pagan followers. Canute was a devout Christian king, ordering his nobles to follow the advice of the bishops. He also had the holy relics of the martyred Archbishop Aelfheah transferred from London to Canterbury in 1023. He made a very difficult choice outlawing Thorkell, a determined pagan in 1021. He probably did it to look good for the Christian church in England. Thorkell was pardoned by Canute two years later but never returned to England. The king also built and remodeled many churches throughout England. It is unknown whether Canute was a true Christian believer or if he did the acts he did to maintain a stable rule over the Christian people. It may have been a mix: he could have been a true believer but knowing many of his people were Christian meant putting on a show as a very devout Christian would only be helpful. Whatever his intentions may have been, he focused on making himself a good figure and leader that his subordinates would be pleased
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