* England: In 1154, Henry II became the first Angevin king of England. He inherited the throne from his mother, Matilda, who was the daughter of King Henry I. Henry II established a strong centralized monarchy and introduced important legal and administrative reforms.
* France: In 1180, Philip II Augustus became king of France. He successfully asserted royal authority over the feudal lords and expanded the territory of France. He also defeated the English at the Battle of Bouvines in 1214, which established French dominance in Europe.
* Spain: In 1137, Alfonso VII became king of Castile and Leon. He united the two kingdoms and launched the Reconquista, a centuries-long struggle to drive the Muslims out of Spain.
* Portugal: In 1139, Afonso Henriques became the first king of Portugal. He declared independence from Castile and established a strong independent monarchy.
* Denmark: In 1157, Valdemar I became king of Denmark. He expanded the territory of Denmark and established a strong monarchy.
* Sweden: In 1130, Sverker I became king of Sweden. He united the kingdom and introduced Christianity to Sweden.
* Norway: In 1130, Harald IV became king of Norway. He united the kingdom and established a strong monarchy.
1200s
* Scotland: In 1249, Alexander III became king of Scotland. He united the kingdom and established a strong monarchy.
* Wales: In 1282, Edward I of England conquered Wales and annexed it to England.
* Ireland: In 1171, Henry II of England invaded Ireland and established English control over much of the island.