Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from A Short History of Germany and Her Colonies
After all, however, even these powerful Frankish conquerors had but imperfect success in Germany When they were present with their formidable armies, they could command obedience when engaged, as they often were, in distant parts of the vast Frankish territory, they could not trust to the fulfilment of the fair. Promises they had exacted. One of the chief causes of their ill - success was the continued independence of the Saxons. Ever since they had acquired the northern half of Thuringia, this warlike race had been extending its power. They were still heathens, cherishing bitter hatred towards the Franks, whom they regarded as the enemies both of their liberties and of their religion and their hatred found expression, not only in expeditions into Frankish territory, but in help willingly rendered to every German confederation which wished to throw off the Frankish yoke. Hardly any rebellion against the dukes of the Franks, or against King Pippin, took place in Germany without the Saxons coming forward to aid the rebels. This was perfectly understood by the Frankish rulers, who tried again and again to put an end to the evil by subduing the Saxons They could not, however, attain their Object. An occasional victory was gained, and some border tribes were from time to time compelled to pay tribute, but the mass of the Saxons remained unconquered. This was partly due to the fact that the Saxons had not, like the other German confederations, a duke who, when beaten, could be held responsible for the engagements forced upon him as the representative of his subjects. A Saxon chief who made peace with the Franks could undertake nothing for the whole people. As a conquering race, they were firmly compact; conquered, they were in the hands of the victor a rope of sand.
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