Germanic+Tribes+outline

Germanic Tribes Outline THESIS STATEMENT: The Germanic Tribes, an ancient nomadic civilization with incredible diversity and military strength, laid the foundation for modern European language and heritage. Their military strengths and victories changed history. Their leaders became the first non-Roman kings of Italy, paving the way for future conquerors. Their unique culture, highly influenced by the Romans, is reflected in European language and customs.

I. Germanic peoples were excellent warriors and were fierce in battle, creating a strong **military**. A. Warriors were fiercely devoted to their military leaders, or **chieftains**. B. The later tribes were formed into **armies** with the whole tribe united instead of smaller clans. C. Their love of battle was linked to their **religious practices**. D. Military strength depended on the **infantry and warriors**. E. A Germanic victory at the **Battle of Teutonberg Forest** changed the course of European history. F. Their military dominance was one of the reasons that the **Western Roman Empire declined** and eventually fell. G. German soldiers had a wide arsenal of **weapons and armor**. H. As all things have to come to an end, many tribes began a slow **decline**.

II. Their great military and diplomatic **leaders** shaped the later European civilizations. A. **Ariminius** enticed the Roman legions into densely forested area, emerging victorious in the Battle of Teutonberg Forest, a pivotal part of European history. B. A German general, **Odoacer**, took over the Western Roman Empire in his own name, becoming the first barbarian king of Italy. C. **Theodoric** the Great was a barbarian king of Italy who initiated 3 decades of peace between the Ostrogoths and the Romans and united the two Gothic tribes. D. **Alaric**, king of the Visigoths, commanded Gothic troops in the Roman Empire.

III. Germanic culture was not organized between the different tribes, but they all shared common characteristics. A. **Celtic, Hunnic, and Roman influences** are evident, but the original Germanic flair still appeared on many works of art. B. Germanic peoples believed in a pantheon of anthropomorphic **gods** and multiple stories about **mythical creatures, spirits, and the beginning and end of the world**. C. Their **society** was patriarchal in nature, with the father holding all authority. D. They developed a **language** and runic alphabet that is the basis for the modern German language.

IV.The **political systems** of the tribes was very sophisticated and helped demand the law. A. **Kingship** was hereditary, but war leaders were elected for success and martial prowess. B. Germans believed that **laws** came from the people. C. **Ordeals** determined whether someone was innocent or guilty to a crime. D. Many **rules** helped to prevent blood feuds.

V. The **geography** of the tribes helped them to accomplish their goals. A. Their **natural resources** helped to facilitate trade. B. Germanic **interaction with the environment** forced the Germans to adapt. C. Because the Germanic people were conquerors, their **movement and migration** was very common.

VI. The **economics** of the tribes, especially the interaction with the Romans, is integral to their culture. A. **Men** were mainly warriors. B. **Women** and children were responsible for the farm work. C. They **traded** often with the Romans.