The Middle Ages 476 1450 Europe in the

The Middle Ages: 476 -1450

Europe in the 500 s 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 vmonasticism: monks & nuns living together in organized communities vpoverty, chastity, and obedience. § provided schools § monasteries = inns, hospitals, refuge § libraries & scriptoria to copy books and illuminate manuscripts. § monks missionaries

A Medieval Monk’s Day

The Power of the Medieval Church vchurch controlled 1/3 of the land in Western Europe. v tithe 1/10 tax given to the church. v. Canon law: The Law of the Church

Pope Crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor: Dec. 25, 800 Europe does briefly experience some unity under the rule of Charlemagne (“Charles the Great”)

The Government Structure of Medieval Western Europe

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

The Economic System of Medieval Western Europe

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

The Medieval Manor

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 membership apprentice 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 v English Kings had the most difficulty centralizing control v“Great Charter” v kings had to consult a council of advisors to tax v Rights of NOBILTY

Christian Crusades

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 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