What can you tell me about the Germanic King Charlemagne?
In 800 Charlemagne marched on Rome and was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor. This act briefly re-united the spiritual and political powers that once were that of the Roman Emperors. Charlemagne was a Frank and formed the Franconia Empire which after his death split into France & Germany, with the German Empire retaining the Holy Roman Emperor Title for a period. Since the Fall of Roman he was the First Emperor to unite most of Europe under one rule. In fact his influence bore heavily upon the forming of Europe. He introduced a feudal system of government to maintain his empire. Many of these fiefdoms latter became independent kingdoms. His Empire fell apart after his death. Until Napoleon, no one person ever controlled as much of Europe at one time.
One Country, Two Systems: What will happen to Hong Kong after 2047?
Based on China's aggression towards the UK over the New Territories' 99-year lease, I would say it will be integrated completely into China, and then Hong Kong will lose its shine, and so will Shenzhen. The integration is obvious to me also since the current Chinese government will "select" the candidates for the HKSAR elections. Protests may eventually become illegal. I seriously doubt China will "reform itself" and become "democratic."Somebody once said to me "China's too big to become democratic; otherwise, either corruption or collapse happens." Look at India. It's the largest democratic country in terms of population, but its infrastructure and quality of life is worse compared to China by several degrees. Chinese people brag about how it's only 1 hour from Shanghai to Hangzhou, while Indians may moan about the slow train from Delhi to Mumbai. (Sorry, I don't have any better examples.)China CANNOT AFFORD to become democratic, and it will be a far cry before it becomes a democratic state.Edit (2018): After the construction of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge I’ve come to realize that Hong Kong might not lose its opulence but my prediction from four years ago still holds true. The only thing I was wrong about is that Shenzhen will lose its shine. At this rate, Shenzhen will not lose its shine; if anything it will probably eclipse Hong Kong and become the next Beijing or Shanghai.