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Castles As The Key To Norman Control
- Castles were the decisive military innovation that let a small Norman elite control a larger population.
- They created strong points in hostile areas and enabled conquest with relatively few soldiers.
Weak National Identity Aided Conquest
- Anglo-Saxon traditions of kingship eased William's takeover because locals accepted a new legitimate ruler.
- Local loyalties were more to village and region than to a national identity, reducing coordinated resistance.
From Accommodation To Replacement
- William initially tried to accommodate English and Norman elites but ultimately replaced most English magnates.
- By the end of his reign major offices and landholding were overwhelmingly Norman.