The Middle Ages in Western Europe An age of faith, darkness, revival, interaction, death and war

Periodization Middle Ages (Medieval Era) emerges as the classic era declines (mainly after the Fall of Rome) Ends approximately CE Generally, Middle Ages is divided into 3 parts: Early (Dark), Central, Late (High) WHAP 9 allows us to view it in 2 sections  Until 1000 CE  After 1000 CE

Europe in 800

Europe in1328

Europe in 1430

Europe in 1470

Civilization spread gradually beyond the Mediterranean Christian missionaries convert Europeans from polytheistic faiths (syncretism blends some aspects into Christianity) International interaction emerged Increased technology expanded agricultural output and improved manufacturing Math, science and philosophy were stimulated by new concepts In which time frame would most of these concepts develop? Post-Classical Themes in Western Europe

Dichotomy of Western Europe Not as commercially or culturally developed as the great civilizations of the P/C Era (Islam, Tang/Song, Byzantine) Under constant threat of Muslim invasion Indications of a developing, vital society- population growth, economic productivity, increased political complexity (feudalism and manorialism), technological innovation (agricultural innovations) Artistic (Gothic period) and intellectual complexity (university)

Characteristics of the Dark Ages Disorder prevails following the fall of Rome Economic, political, intellectual decline Roman Catholic Church remains strong, unifying force Muslim Spain maintains a vibrant golden age France and Germany, later England, become the “center” of Post-Classical Western Europe Scandinavian Vikings continually raid Western Europe, hindering economic and political growth Literacy declines as monks and priests speak Latin and hold religious ceremonies in this language

KING LORDS/ NOBLES/ VASSALS KNIGHTS SERFS

The Manorial System Form of local government (de-centralized) (def) system of reciprocal economic and political obligations between landlords and peasants Use of serfs (not slaves) to increase agricultural production and maintain manor Serfs have rights (heritable ownership of houses and land)

Feudalism System of land exchange in return for protection (political/military relationship) First served local needs, but later served greater territories Bureaucratic and administrative functions gradually emerged William the Conqueror- merges feudal techniques with centralization (1066)

Roman Catholic Church Single most unifying force in Western Europe during the Middle Ages Appointed bishops, regulated laws, sponsored missionary activity Clovis of the Franks demonstrates the military power of the church, responsible for many missions Developed monastic movement Set examples of holy life, improved cultivation techniques, preserved Greco-Roman culture

Charlemagne Carolingian Dynasty (Charles Martel- Grandfather) 8 th century, Charles Martel defeats Muslims (732 CE) First empire of the Dark Ages “Light in the Dark Ages” Church-based education, Classic Roman heritage French, German, English languages emerged (vernacular)—beginnings of national unity Charlemagne’s successors call themselves “Holy Roman Emperors” (local lords & city-states go their own way) What does this demonstrate???

9 th and 10 th Century Growth Agriculture- moldboard plow, three-field system, horse collars, stirrups Viking incursions decline due to strengthened local and regional governments (what’s the impact?) Increased production= increased population growth Towns increase- merchant class, craft guilds Need for colonization due to land necessities Urbanization= increased literacy, pop culture, stimulated religious life Cathedral schools develop into universities (arts and architecture, science, math, medicine, philosophy, law, theology)

Limited Government Holy Roman Empire- ruled by local lords and city-states Rome- ruled by Pope Low Countries (France, Southern Germany) ruled by regional units Parliaments emerge for the first time- rule on taxation, policy matters (representative) In strong feudal monarchies- power is limited by the Church, aristocratic military strength, developing urban centers 1215: King John of England forced to recognize the rights of feudal lords- Magna Carta What’s the significance of this document?

Age of Conflict –Crusades (11 th – 13 th centuries) –Hundred Years War (14 th century): Though primarily a dynastic conflict, the war gave impetus to ideas of both French and English nationality. Militarily, it saw the introduction of new weapons and tactics, which eroded the older system of feudal armies dominated by heavy cavalry. The first standing armies in Western Europe since the time of the Western Roman Empire were introduced for the war, thus changing the role of the peasantry

Faith & Reason After 1000 CE, efforts to more fully understand the past (philosophy, rhetoric, logic) take on deeper meaning Absolute faith in God’s word is stressed, but human reason contributed to the understanding of religion in natural order RCC opposes such endeavors (logic demonstrates contradictions in religious theory; threatens Church power) Similar to Islamic tensions

The debate flourishes in universities…opening intellectual avenues not present in other civilizations (like China) Thirst for knowledge increases St. Thomas Aquinas- Summas- faith comes first, but human reason allows a greater understanding of natural order, moral law and the nature of God (paves the way for the Renaissance)

Revival of Trade after 1000 CE Post-classical west demonstrates great powers of innovation 10 th Century trade revival sets the west as a commercial zone- merchants move commodities from one region to another Urban growth promotes specialized manufacturing and commerce Banking is introduced- pre-cursor to capitalism

Mediterranean allows Italian city-states to flourish (luxury goods and spices) Northern Europe- cities in N. Germany and S. Scandinavia form Hanseatic League Weakness of western government allows for businesses to have a freer hand than in many other civilizations Commercial leagues and artisan guilds grow

Group people in similar occupations Regulated apprenticeships Maintained good workmanship Discouraged innovations (WHY???) Manufacturing never reaches levels of Islamic world or China

Role of Women Specialization leads to limited women’s role Family remains most significant “job” Christian emphasis on religion comes into play as an alternative- female monastic groups Less restricted than Islamic women, but slowed down by male-dominated organizations Patriarchal structure are firmly established by end of Middle Ages

Decline of Medieval Height Hundred Years War Famine Black Death- Bubonic Plague, Black Plague Weakness of feudal order Agriculture can’t keep up with population growth Tensions arise between landlords and peasants (Crusades) Land-owning aristocracy lose its power as professional armies emerge Church officials become less tolerant of intellectual boldness

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Impact of Western Europe during the Middle Ages “Western” is tough to define because lack of political unity plus borrowing from Asian civilizations is high RCC comes close to being defining Link between rationalism and Christian thought Foundations for the future were laid in terms of economic production and intellectual output Secularism becomes a distinct aspect for Western Europe’s future