200 likes | 215 Vues
Western Europe: The Middle Ages. The Middle Ages: 476-1450. Europe in the 500s CE. Effects of the Roman Empire ’ s Collapse -Population reduced by over 25% -Lack of centralization in government – strong local elites took control of smaller areas
E N D
Western Europe: The Middle Ages The Middle Ages: 476-1450
Europe in the 500s CE Effects of the Roman Empire’s Collapse -Population reduced by over 25% -Lack of centralization in government – strong local elites took control of smaller areas - Christianity provided limited unity throughout Europe - New Germanic rulers of disunited kingdoms tried to retain some aspects of Rome (they admired it!) - Germanic people become the “dominant peoples”
The Medieval Catholic Church • monasticism: monks & nuns living together in organized communities • poverty, chastity, and obedience. • provided schools • monasteries = inns, hospitals, refuge • libraries & scriptoria to copy books and illuminate manuscripts. • monks missionaries
The Power of the Medieval Church • church controlled 1/3 of the land in Western Europe. • tithe 1/10 tax given to the church. • Canon law: The Law of the Church
Pope Crowned CharlemagneHoly Roman Emperor: Dec. 25, 800 Europe does briefly experience some unity under the rule of Charlemagne (“Charles the Great”)
Feudalism • A political and social system based on loyalty, land, and military service. -Occurs due to weakness in the centralized government - As central authority breaks down, people look to local leaders for protection Serf: Landless peasant who offers labor in exchange for protection Fief: A grant of land in return for a pledge to provide military service
Feudalism Structure
Manorialism • An localized economic system • Needed products were made on a large land estate called a Manor • Barter was common • Trade was not as prominent
Life on the Medieval Manor Serfs at work
The Late Middle Ages -Increasing stability and security in Western Europe -Climate change (warmer!) -Population grew from 35 million people to 80 million people by 1340 -Growth of trade due to agricultural expansion
Changes During the Late Middle Ages • Populations of cities and towns grew • New sources of power (wind & water) increased production • Trade picked up in the Mediterranean • Groups of people organized themselves into guilds
Medieval Guilds Guild Hall • Associations of Craftsmen controlling trades (ex: shoe makers, stained glass makers, etc.) • Controlled membershipapprentice journeyman master craftsman • Controlled quality of the product & prices
Popes vs. Kings • Relationship between the Church and State became more tense as Kings began to centralize control • Pope Gregory VII vs. Henry IV of France • Investiture Controversy • Issues over appointments • Papacy over the crown?
Magna Carta, 1215:ENGLAND • English Kings had the most difficulty centralizing control • “Great Charter” • kings had to consult a council of advisors to tax • Rights of NOBILTY
Pope Urban II: Preaching a Crusade • -Series of “Holy Wars” with a goal to recapture the Holy Lands (E. Mediterranean) from Muslims • Viewed as being done at God’s command and authorized by the Pope • Results: Europe came into contact with more advanced civilizations to the East, trade picked up, more luxury goods flowed into Europe