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How did Otto I increase his influence in France and Burgundy?
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Otto I
Otto I and his wife Edith, sculptures in the cathedral at Magdeburg, Germany.
Otto I increased his influence in France and Burgundy by leveraging his strengthened position within his own kingdom to intervene in the internal affairs of his neighbors.1
Regarding France, after securing his authority at home, Otto was able to resist French claims to Lotharingia and act as a mediator in the internal troubles of the French kingdom. His influence was further bolstered by his role as a protector; for instance, he provided support that helped keep the young king of Burgundy, Conrad, on his throne.12
By establishing himself as a powerful and stable ruler, Otto exerted hegemony over these regions, moving away from the anarchy of the 9th century and positioning himself as the true heir to the Frankish tradition of empire.12