Inquiry Question Does the period from 500 – 1500 in Western Europe deserve to be remembered as the “Dark Ages”?

Supporting Questions Supporting Question 1: What role did the church play after the collapse of the Roman Empire? Supporting Question 2: How effectively did feudalism and manorialism provide governance in Western Europe? Supporting Question 3: What impact did the Bubonic Plague have on Western Europe during the Middle Ages?

The End of Another Empire Charlemagne dies, AD 814 Conflict emerges between grandsons Treaty of Verdun, AD 843 Empire split in three Carolingian rule weakened Frequent invasions, AD 850 to 950 Vikings from North Muslims from South Magyars from East Western Europe w/o protection Treaty of Verdun Territories Invasions, 850 to 950

Feudalism: A Political Structure

Rise of Feudalism Invasions Weakness of central authority Too many invasions Not enough protection Weakness of central authority Emperor and army cannot be everywhere at once Rollo and Charles precedent AD 911 Frankish King, Charles the Simple gives Normandy to Viking Rollo Rollo pledges allegiance Charles and Rollo

Manorialism: The Economic Side of Feudalism

Supporting Questions Supporting Question 1: What role did the church play after the collapse of the Roman Empire? Supporting Question 2: How effectively did feudalism and manorialism provide governance in Western Europe? Supporting Question 3: What impact did the Bubonic Plague have on Western Europe during the Middle Ages?

Feudalism: Pros and Cons Self-sufficient Provided chain of command Protection for weak Mutual benefits relationship Provided order Cons: Encouraged warfare Encouraged social class structure The Feudal Pyramid

Manorialism: Pros and Cons Self-sufficient Mutual-benefits for all Cons: Enforced social class structure Exploited the masses Poor agriculture techniques Isolation/limited trade The Manor System