Chapter 1 Section 2

Terms and People Middle Ages – Period in European history from the 5th century through the 14th century marked by an absence of effective central government Renaissance – Period in European history lasting from the 14th-16th century, which ushered in a more secular age and encouraged freedom of thought, the importance of the individual, and renewed interest in classical learning. Reconquista – prolonged battle, ending in 1492, that reestablished Spanish Christian rule on the Iberian Peninsula after 700 years of Muslim dominance. Prince Henry the Navigator – leader who directed Portuguese efforts to sail into the Atlantic, spread Christianity, and outflank Muslim domination of trade

How did Europeans begin to explore more of the world? New ideas swept through Europe during the 1400’s, causing enormous cultural, economic, and technological changes. Europeans began to look beyond their shores on a quest of exploration and discovery that would change Europe and much of the world

After collapse of the Roman Empire, the early years of the Middle Ages were marked by: The absence of an effective central government The constant threat of famine, disease, and foreign invasion.

But as new institutions and ideas slowly took hold, a new civilization emerged in Europe Most of the surviving population lived in the countryside, and the economy was overwhelmingly agricultural. Europe was recovering from the effects of the bubonic plague, which had killed about a third of all Europeans during the 1340’s.

Cities and towns were growing in Northern Italy and the Netherlands Artisans produced cloth, tools, and other goods in city workshops. Cities were also centers of trade.

A ruling elite of less than 5 percent of the population controlled almost all of the land Royalty and Aristocrats: A monarch was at the top of the social pyramid in each kingdom. Aristocrats inherited social rank, title, and landed estates worked by peasants.

Ruling elite, cont. Church leaders and merchants: The elite also included leaders of the Roman Catholic Church Wealthy merchants shipped cargoes between cities for profit.

Under the domination of this small elite class were the commoners Middle Class families: These families owned enough property to employ themselves as farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers. They accounted for only a fifth of the population. The Working poor: In good years, they farmed on rented land or worked for pay, and in bad years, many were beggars. They accounted for three-fifths of the population

Kingdoms The kingdoms were often at war over land and power Each was ruled by a monarch who depended on the elite class to do much of the governing. The most important kingdoms in Western Europe were Castile, Portugal, France, and England.

Despite their rivalries, many Europeans united in the common cause of capturing and controlling the Holy Land During the latter half of the Middle Ages, European Christians and Southwest Asian Muslims fought one another in a series of religious wars known as the Crusades. In the end, the Muslims defeated the Christian Crusaders.

Crusades had lasting effects that benefitted the people of Europe Europeans became aware of distant lands and different ways of life Soldiers returned home with exotic goods Demand for these products soared, and European traders expanded their businesses into Asia

European Renaissance had begun Trade with and knowledge of other lands expanded The wealth generated from trade fueled further exploration The development of the printing press made books more widely available Literature promoted new ideas

Christians felt hemmed in by the superior wealth, power, and technology of the Muslims, whose realm included: North Africa Areas around the southern and eastern Mediterranean Sea Parts of Eastern Europe and Southeast, Southwest, and Central Asia.

Reconquista On the Iberian Peninsula, the kingdoms of Aragon, Castile, and Portugal were waging the Reconquista In some places, violent conflicts continued between Christians and Muslims They hoped to drive out the Muslim Moors, who had ruled Iberia for centuries

Marriage of Prince Ferdinand and Queen Isabella In 1469, they married creating Spain In 1492, the monarchs won the Reconquista by capturing the Muslim stronghold of Granada Spain and Portugal were now well-situated to seek new trade routes and expand European influence.

Prince Henry the Navigator Starting in 1419, he led early efforts at exploration and expansion of trade He founded a school of navigation He sponsored expeditions down the west coast of Africa.

Technological innovations helped the Portuguese take the early lead in sailing into the Atlantic Ocean Sailors used the compass, the astrolabe, and the quadrant to determine their location and direction Shipbuilders created the sturdy caravel, capable of sailing hundreds of miles.