9.1 Alfred's military and political achievements

Alfred the Great's military and political achievements were game-changers for Anglo-Saxon England. He transformed the fyrd into a more effective army and built a navy to counter Viking raids. These moves helped him score big wins against the Vikings.

On the political front, Alfred was a master strategist. He forged alliances, built a network of fortified towns called burhs, and implemented legal reforms. These actions strengthened his rule and laid the groundwork for a unified England.

Alfred's Military Strategies

Reorganization of the Fyrd

Top images from around the web for Reorganization of the Fyrd

• 

  Saxons - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cultural depictions of Alfred the Great - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Viking invasion of Britain - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Saxons - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cultural depictions of Alfred the Great - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Reorganization of the Fyrd

• 

  Saxons - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cultural depictions of Alfred the Great - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Viking invasion of Britain - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Saxons - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Cultural depictions of Alfred the Great - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Alfred reorganized the fyrd, the Anglo-Saxon army, into a more effective fighting force by dividing it into two contingents that alternated between active service and farming duties
  • This ensured a standing army was always available to respond to Viking threats
  • The rotation system allowed soldiers to maintain their agricultural livelihoods while also serving in the army
  • This reform increased the efficiency and reliability of Alfred's military forces

Naval Innovations

• Alfred built a fleet of ships to challenge Viking naval supremacy
  • This allowed him to intercept Viking raids and protect the coasts of Wessex
  • Alfred's naval forces could engage the Vikings at sea, preventing them from making landfall and raiding coastal settlements
  • The development of a strong navy was a significant shift in Anglo-Saxon military strategy (previously focused on land-based defense)

Decisive Victory at Edington

• In the Battle of Edington in 878, Alfred decisively defeated the Viking king Guthrum
  • This victory forced Guthrum to accept baptism and a peace treaty known as the Treaty of Wedmore
  • The Treaty of Wedmore established the Danelaw boundary, defining the territorial limits of Viking settlement in England
  • The defeat at Edington was a turning point in the struggle against the Vikings, demonstrating Alfred's military prowess and leadership

Defensive Strategy of Containment

• Alfred adopted a defensive strategy of containment against the Vikings
  • He avoided pitched battles in favor of quick raids and sieges to disrupt the Vikings' ability to live off the land
  • This strategy aimed to limit Viking mobility and prevent them from establishing permanent bases in Wessex
  • By denying the Vikings easy access to resources and supplies, Alfred sought to weaken their position and force them to negotiate

Alfred's Diplomatic Efforts

Strategic Alliances

• Alfred married his daughter Aethelflaed to the ealdorman of Mercia
  • This marriage cemented an alliance that secured Alfred's northern borders
  • The alliance with Mercia paved the way for the eventual reconquest of the Danelaw
  • By forging strategic marriages, Alfred strengthened his political position and created a network of loyal allies

Relationship with the Church

• Alfred cultivated close ties with the Church, patronizing monasteries and sponsoring scholars
  • This relationship helped legitimize Alfred's rule and portray him as a Christian king defending against pagan invaders
  • By aligning himself with the Church, Alfred gained moral authority and support from religious leaders
  • Alfred's patronage of learning and scholarship enhanced his reputation as a wise and pious ruler

International Diplomacy

• Alfred maintained diplomatic relations with other European rulers, such as the Carolingian king of the Franks
  • These diplomatic efforts aimed to secure support and recognition for Alfred's kingship
  • By engaging in international diplomacy, Alfred sought to bolster his legitimacy and deter potential adversaries
  • Diplomatic ties with continental powers provided Alfred with potential allies and sources of assistance

Treaty Negotiations

• Alfred negotiated a series of treaties with the Vikings, such as the Treaty of Wedmore
  • These treaties defined territorial boundaries and brought periods of peace, allowing Alfred to consolidate his gains
  • By engaging in negotiations, Alfred demonstrated his willingness to find diplomatic solutions to conflicts
  • Treaties provided a framework for coexistence between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings, albeit an uneasy one

Alfred's Fortification System

The Burhs as Defensive Bulwarks

• The burhs were a network of fortified towns and strongholds strategically located throughout Wessex
  • They served as defensive bulwarks against Viking raids, providing protection for the local population
  • The burhs were designed to withstand sieges and serve as bases for Alfred's mobile field army
  • The strategic placement of burhs along rivers and Roman roads allowed for quick communication and troop deployment

Shared Responsibility in Construction

• Alfred required his nobles to contribute labor and resources to construct and maintain the burhs
  • This created a sense of shared responsibility for the kingdom's defense
  • By involving the nobility in the construction process, Alfred fostered a sense of unity and common purpose
  • The collective effort in building the burhs strengthened the bonds between the king and his subjects

Effectiveness of the Burh System

• The burh system proved effective in blunting the impact of Viking raids
  • The fortifications gave Alfred's forces time to respond to attacks and prevented the Vikings from establishing permanent bases deep within Wessex
  • The burhs provided refuge for the local population during Viking incursions, minimizing civilian casualties and disruption to daily life
  • The presence of burhs deterred Viking raiders and forced them to engage in costly and time-consuming sieges

Economic Benefits of the Burhs

• The burhs also facilitated trade and craftsmanship by providing secure market centers
  • The fortified towns attracted merchants and artisans, stimulating economic activity
  • The concentration of skilled workers and the protection offered by the burhs encouraged the development of industries and specialized trades
  • The economic revival of Wessex under Alfred's rule was partly attributed to the security and stability provided by the burh system

Alfred's Political Reforms

Legal Reforms

• Alfred issued a new law code that synthesized earlier Anglo-Saxon laws with biblical principles
  • This provided a common legal framework for his kingdom and emphasized his role as a just Christian ruler
  • The law code aimed to establish a uniform system of justice and reinforce Alfred's authority as the supreme lawgiver
  • By incorporating biblical principles, Alfred sought to align his rule with Christian values and gain the support of the clergy

Judicial Reforms

• Alfred reformed the administration of justice by appointing judges and holding them accountable for their decisions
  • This reduced corruption and improved the efficiency of the legal system
  • Alfred's oversight of the judiciary ensured that justice was dispensed fairly and impartially
  • The appointment of competent judges strengthened the rule of law and increased public confidence in the legal system

Centralization of Authority

• Alfred strengthened the role of the monarchy by centralizing authority and reducing the power of regional ealdormen
  • Previously, ealdormen had enjoyed significant autonomy, which sometimes led to internal conflicts and weakened the kingdom
  • By asserting his royal prerogatives, Alfred sought to create a more unified and stable political structure
  • Centralization allowed Alfred to implement his reforms more effectively and maintain tighter control over his realm

Promotion of Learning and Literacy

• Alfred promoted literacy and learning, commissioning the translation of Latin works into Old English
  • He established a court school to educate the sons of nobles, creating a loyal and educated aristocracy to serve in his administration
  • The promotion of learning aimed to improve the quality of governance and foster a shared cultural identity
  • By making important texts accessible in the vernacular, Alfred encouraged the spread of knowledge and strengthened the foundations of English literature