Identifier: greatestnations03elli (find matches)
Title: The story of the greatest nations, from the dawn of history to the twentieth century : a comprehensive history, founded upon the leading authorities, including a complete chronology of the world, and a pronouncing vocabulary of each nation
Year: 1900 (1900s)
Authors: Ellis, Edward Sylvester, 1840-1916 Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis), 1870-1942
Subjects: World history
Publisher: New York : F.R. Niglutsch
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Internet Archive

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ass to return honestlyto their allegiance. Still, his more determined enemies persisted in declaringhim deposed, and they elected Duke Rudolf of Swabia to succeed him. Ru-dolf, the same who had stolen and wedded Henrys sister Matilda, accepted theelection, and once more civil w^ar devastated the empire. Henry found his main support among the free cities, which were now be-coming an important element in the strength of the nation. You will remem-ber that Henry I. had founded them, all the emperors had encouraged them,and Henry HI. had confirmed and added to their privileges. The great dukesdespised the citizens, robbed them, and trampled on their rights wherever pos-sible. Thus the whole life and strength of the cities was intertwined with thatof the emperors; each rose and fell with the other. Naturally, therefore, thecities supported Henry. He conducted the war with ability and success. Sometimes his chanceslooked dark; but at last, in 1080, he settled the contest by defeating Rudolf
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Germany—Struggle with the Pope 567 near that same old battle ground of Merseburg. Rudolfs right hand was cutoff in the struggle, and as he lay dying the next day he cried, God has pun-ished me rightly. It was with that hand I swore allegiance to Henry. Now came the Emperors turn for revenge upon the Pope. Henry led an armyinto Italy (1081), besieged Rome three years, captured it, was crowned Emperorby a Pope of his own making, and drove Gregory into the exile in which he died.The next few years form Henrys period of power. Germany was at peaceunder his foot, and tradition tells us, somewhat doubtfully, that he became amodel king, watching over the interests of his people, and doing justice to all. His struggle with the Church still continued. The popes who succeededGregory adopted his policy and continued to preach against the Emperor. Hisexcommunication was renewed. The real question at issue was as to whetherPope or Emperor should appoint the German bishops. The right and wrongof

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