Why, despite King Alfred's tremendous achievements, is it not accurate to speak of England as a unified state in the tenth and eleventh centuries?
A) The court of King Alfred was not administratively or financially capable of supporting religion, culture, and the arts.
B) The king's control was fragile, since royal officials often shifted allegiance to other claimants to the throne when it was in their interest to do so.
C) Only the parliaments and not the king had the power to draw up a binding code of law.
D) The king lacked the power to levy taxes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

King Alfred's reign saw significant achievements, but the control over his kingdom was not absolute or stable. Royal officials could and did shift their allegiances based on their interests, reflecting the fragmented and competitive nature of political power during this period. This instability is a key reason why it's not accurate to describe England as a unified state in the tenth and eleventh centuries.

Why, Despite King Alfred's Tremendous Achievements, Is It Not Accurate