The Carolingian Empire changed the western empire is large ways. It had a powerful military unit and took control of the lands that were near it. The Carolingian Empire began with Charles the Great and ended with Charles the fat. Although the Carolingian Empire did not last very long only 88 short years it managed to change the west and it also was the beginnings of both Germany and France. The Carolingian contributed much to those who came after them this includes religion, the arts, and government.