The Late Middle Ages (ca. 1300-1500)
The Late Middle Ages Why should we consider this phase of European history as one of disasters? Any parallels to events and crises of 20th and 21st centuries?
The Church and Christianity Limits of Papal Power King Philip IV vs. Pope Boniface VIII Boniface protested Philip’s taxation of French clergy, but had to back down Philip arrested bishop for treason Boniface outraged, but humiliated by king Papacy now weaker than monarchs Philip IV of France (r. 1285-1314)
The Church and Christianity The “Babylonian Captivity” (1309-1377) French pope elected to papacy Moved to Avignon (1309) French popes Corruption? Many unhappy Christians in Western Europe Papacy returned to Rome (1377) Tomb of Pope Gregory XI, Church of S. Francesca Romana, Rome
The Church and Christianity The Great Western Schism (1378-1417) Returning pope died (1378) Turbulent election new, Italian pope Dissatisfaction schism 2 popes! Scandal, spiritual crisis Council of Pisa (1409) Deposed both popes, elected new one Unsuccessful 3 popes!
The Church and Christianity Late Medieval Heresy JOHN WYCLIF (ca. 1330-84) Advocated state role in church matters Bible! Criticized transubstantiation JAN HUS (ca. 1370-1415) Influenced by Wyclif Preacher in Prague Critical of church hierarchy and “abuses” John Wyclif
The Church and Christianity The Council of Constance (1414-17) Summoned by emperor Response to Heresy Hus tried, condemned (1415) Wyclif’s remains destroyed Schism resolved Three rival popes deposed Martin V elected Execution of Hus
The Church and Christianity Late Medieval Mysticism Mysticism: spirituality seeking intimacy with God Common among women Increased devotional literature Focus on Passion of Christ, devotion to Virgin Mary Roettgen Pietá Early 14th cent.
The Church and Christianity Questions?
Society and Economy Population growth overpopulation (14th cent.) Less land to cultivate Wages decreased Famines
Society and Economy The Black Death (1347-1350) Epidemic Spread rapidly, contagious Noticeable, painful symptoms Very quick death
Society and Economy The Plague’s Origins Began in Far East, traveled westward along trade routes Carried by fleas on infected rats Arrived in Europe at Mediterranean ports
Society and Economy The Black Death Cause debated Why??? Aftermath Death of up to 1/2 of Europe’s population Obsession with death Recurred until 18th century
Society and Economy Economics in Italy Trade Banking Location focal point Contact between Europe and East Banking Lots of bankers MEDICI bank founded in Florence (1397) Medici Bank
Society and Economy Northern Economics Numerous financial centers Hanseatic League Competition for Italians Conglomeration of 100+ northern mercantile cities Wool industry The Hanseatic League
Society and Economy Questions?
Political Issues Fall of Constantinople Byzantine Empire threatened by Turks Constantinople besieged, conquered (May 1453) Istanbul Ottoman Empire: threat to Western Europe Siege of Constantinople
Political Issues The Hundred Years War (1337-1453): Causes Last Capetian monarch died (1328) – who succeeds? English king was a relation Philip VI elected by French nobility Neither candidate conceded claims war! English claims to French lands
Political Issues The War: Initial English Success Strategy: raids New technology Longbows Cannons Territorial gains! English king: new heir to throne (1420) Battle of Créçy (1346)
Political Issues
Political Issues France Strikes Back JOAN OF ARC (1412-1431) Teenage peasant, mystic Claimed mission from God (1428) Promised French heir France rebounded Joan captured, sold to English burned at stake (May 1431) Siege of Orléans
Political Issues
Political Issues
Political Issues Ultimate French Victory Northern France reconquered English driven out by 1453
Political Issues Spain: Ferdinand and Isabella Unified Spanish crown (1469) Ferdinand: heir of Aragon, Catalonia Isabella: heir of Castile Completed Reconquista (1492) Ferdinand and Isabella
Political Issues
Political Issues Religion in Spain Fervent Catholicism Expelled Jews (1492), Muslims (1504) SPANISH INQUISITION (1478) Tool of State Principal goal: attack “judaizing” traditions among conversos Ferdinand and Isabella
Political Issues Questions?
The Late Middle Ages Why should we consider this phase of European history as one of disasters? Any parallels to events and crises of 20th and 21st centuries?