The Rise of Nation-States Middle Ages: Europe The Rise of Nation-States

Rise of Nation States Background: European monarchies consolidated power and began forming nation-states in the late medieval period. Nation-states are large groups of people who are ruled by one central government, who share a common language and who feel a sense of loyalty to the group.

England 1. William the Conqueror – leader of the Norman Conquest united most of England after the Battle of Hastings 2. Common Law had its beginnings during the reign of Henry II

England 3. King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 which limited the King’s power, gave more power to nobles: **Parliament** 4. The Hundred Years War between England and France helped define England as a nation.

France 1. Hugh Capet established the French throne in Paris, and his dynasty gradually expanded their control over most of France. 2. The Hundred Years War between England and France helped define France as a nation.

France 3. Joan of Arc was a unifying factor God told her kick the English out Won at Orleans – huge turning point Captured, condemned as a witch and a heretic Burned at the stake 1431

Spain 1. Ferdinand & Isabella unified the country and expelled Muslim Moors during a time called the Reconquista 2. Spanish Empire in the Western Hemisphere expanded under Phillip II

Threw off the rule of the Mongols Centralized power in Moscow Russia 1. Ivan the Great – Threw off the rule of the Mongols Centralized power in Moscow Expanded the Russian nation

Russia 2. Power was centralized in the hands of the tsar. 3. The Orthodox Church influenced unification

The Black Death: Background: In the fourteenth century, the Black Death (or Bubonic Plague) destroyed the population of much of Asia and then the population of much of Europe.

Symptoms Buboes (Bubonic Plague) of groin, neck , arms oozed and bled Fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, etc. 80% died within first week of contracting the disease.

Economic and Social impact of the Black Death in much of Asia and Europe 1. Decline in population – 1/3 of Europe died 2. Scarcity of Labor – not enough people to work , farms abandoned 3. Towns freed from feudal obligations – feudalism breaking down Serfs left manors in search of better wages

Economic and Social impact of the Black Death in much of Asia and Europe 4. Decline of church influence – prayers failed to stop the plague Priests wouldn’t perform services for those who were dying 5. Disruption of trade – declined as prices rose, less people willing to travel

Spread of the Plague in Europe

Plague Doctor