Why is Charlemagne considered to be the Imperial Father of Europe - Essay Example

Why Is Charlemagne Considered To Be The "Imperial Father" Of Europe? Although mostly known for his conquest of the European hemisphere for the benefit of the Roman Catholic church, Charlemagne came to be known as the “Imperial Father” of Europe due to other, far more impressive accomplishments in his life that helped shape the rest of the world as we know it today. He was far more than just a conqueror, he was an innovative thinker who did not allow religious leaders to dictate his political policies thus setting the basis for the separation between church and state.

One of his more notable economic accomplishments was the monetary reform in Europe that he undertook during the Gild shortage in the region. He implemented the livre caroliniene standard based upon a pound of silver as the currency of his region. As an economic innovator, he also lay the groundwork for standard accounting practices and computations used for record keeping. Such great accomplishments for a man who was known to many as being uneducated. Though not formally educated himself, the man had a thirst for knowledge and learning.

Which is why his reign gave particular importance to growing the academic successes of his people. He is credited with having ushered in the Carolingian Renaissance era that is embodied by the continuous growth of scholarships, literature, and art during his reign. Allowing for a free exchange of knowledge and experience between the countries of his conquering that increased the number of schools and book copying centers in France. Though he worked hard to establish the stability of his empire on both the political and religious front, Charlemagnes attempts to find the perfect balance between the relationship of Church and State was a tenuous one as his reign was based upon the loyalty, efficiency, and support, of his subjects.

Religious pressures aside, he still managed to implement what he felt were important political reforms in the realm for the benefit of his subjects. Such were the documented accomplishments of Charlemagne throughout his life that it is easy to see how he could easily have come to be known as the “Imperial Father” of Europe even if the Roman Catholic church had not bestowed the same title upon him in an apparent political move meant to give the church the upper hand when it came to empire governance.

Works CitedNew World Encyclopedia. Charlemagne, 2008. Web. 1 May 2012.