European Middle Ages & The Formation of Western Europe
Jan 17, 2018
European Middle Ages & The Formation of Western Europe
How did invasions effect Western Europe? Disruption of Trade Downfall of Cities Population Shifts Decline in Learning
Invaders could not read or write
Loss of Common Language Latin was still official
language No longer understood
The Emergence of Germanic Tribes Small Germanic kingdoms replaced
Roman provinces Entire concept of government
changed Family ties and personal relationships
were more important than loyalty to the state
Roman province of Gaul Germanic people called Franks Led by Clovis Brought Christianity to region
German Adoption of Christianity Spread by political conquests and
Missionaries Church built monasteries (homes to
Monks) Monks gave up possessions and devoted
their lives to serving God Female version were nuns, they lived in
convents During this time, the Pope, Gregory
the Great, extended the pope’s role to the secular realm
Expansion of Gaul After Roman Empire dissolved, Gaul was one
of the largest former Roman provinces Franks still controlled Carolingian Dynasty began
771, Charlemagne began his reign Built an empire greater than any known since
ancient Rome Through his conquests, he spread Christianity Reunited western Europe Took power away from nobles and increased
power of royalty
Invaders Attack Western Europe Vikings
Struck very quickly, before locals could mount a defense
Arrived by water Magyars
Nomadic people from what is now Hungary Attacked isolated villages and monasteries
Muslims Attacked from Northern Africa Wished to conquer and settle Europe
Feudalism System of governing
and landholding Based on rights and
obligations In exchange for
protection, the lord granted land, called a fief, to vassals
King Wealthy nobles▪ Knights▪ Merchants
Landless peasants Serfs
Manors Lord’s estate Rested on relationship
between lord and serfs Lord provided serfs with
housing, farmland and protection
Serfs tended the lord’s land and cared for the animals
Serfs were bound to the land, but were not slaves because they could not be bought and sold
Who were the Knights? Soldiers mounted on horseback Protected empire The best knights were given land from their
lords they protected Knights could expect about 40 days of combat
a year Remainder was spent training
Expected to display courage in battle and loyalty to lord Chivalry: devoted to lord, God, and his chosen lady Protected the weak and poor
How were Knights trained? Began at age 7, as a
page for another lord At 14, he reached the
rank of squire, a servant to a knight
At 21, the squire could become a knight Traveled and fought in
local wars Took part in mock battles,
called tournaments▪ Fierce and bloody
competitions
Women’s Role in Feudal Society Wealthy could inherit
estates from husbands Would sometimes be the
military leader in the absence of husbands
Mostly confined to homes
Peasant women performed endless labor Household and Field
The Authority of the Church Power in the church was
based on status Pope in Rome headed the
Church All clergy fell under his
authority Stable force during period
of constant warfare and turmoil
All Christians were subject to canon law, or church law Could be excommunicated
if you didn’t follow
What problems existed within the Church?
Village priests married and had familiesAgainst Church rulings
Bishops sold positions in the ChurchKings appointed bishops
The Church is Reformed Restructured to
resemble a kingdom Pope re-established
his authority in Medieval Europe
Collected 1/10 of each family’s yearly income for tithes
Monks, nuns and friars traveled throughout Europe spreading the word of God
Gothic Cathedrals
New churches built across Europe
Built in Gothic style
Thrust upward as if reaching to heaven
Stained glass windows
Meant to inspire worshipper with magnificence of God
CrusadesWar to gain control over Holy Land
What were the goals of the Crusades?
Wished to reclaim Palestine
Reunite Christians Control of land Spread religion
What were the Spanish Crusades?
Reconquista=attempt to drive Muslims from Spain
Inquisition: Court held by the court to suppress the teachings of those who went against the Church
What were the effects of the Crusades? Chance for women to
manage affairs of home
Expanded trade for those that lived in Crusader states
Lessened power of Pope
Fall of Constantinople Legacy of bitterness
between Christians and Muslims
Changes in Medieval Soceity Growing food supply Revival of learning Growth of urban life Development of the
guild Organization of individuals
in the same business or occupation
Worked to improve economic and social conditions
Commercial revolution Expansion of trade and
business
Invasions in England
William the Conqueror Duke of Normandy
(France) Descendants of
the Vikings Claimed the
English throne and invaded the country
Secured his title in the Battle of Hastings
New English Government Common law
Rulings of English judges that become law Based on precedent
Magna Carta Limited the power of the King Gave power to nobles
Parliament Legislative group First composed of knights, bishops and lords
Great Schism
Disagreement in College of Cardinals over who should be the pope
One person chosen and a few months later another
With two popes, a split occurred in the church
Eventually resolved when both were forced to resign and a new pope was chosen
Papal authority was greatly weakened
The Bubonic Plague
Deadly disease Also known as black death Spread by rats who carried fleas
Fleas traveled from person to person Traveled along trade routes Reached every corner of Europe 2/3-3/4 of those who caught the
disease died 25 million died
What were the effects of the plague?
Populations fell Trade declined Prices rose Jews were blamed
for plague and massacred
Church suffered losses because “prayers were not heard”
The Hundred Years’ War Between England
and France Fought on and off
from 1337 to 1453 Eventually France
won Effects:
Nationalism increased French monarch’s
power increased Warfare changed▪ Longbow introduced
Joan of Arc
French Teenager Felt moved by God
to rescue France Went to battle in
the Hundred Years’ War
Led the siege of Orleans
Political trial Accused of
witchcraft and burned at stake