Middle ages – the Age of Exploration Changes in Europe Middle ages – the Age of Exploration

The Fall of Rome 476 AD Last Roman Emperor falls Old Roman empire is left in period of chaos Waves of Barbarians invade western Europe Eventually regain some order Enter the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages in Europe Period between 400-1500 Seen as a period of transition in culture and development in Europe Also called the Medieval period Begins with groups or tribes throughout Europe As tribes progress small kingdoms are formed

The Middle Ages in Europe Around 900 AD, period of Feudalism Feudal society revolved around the manor or large estate of the lord Manor system produced everything the society needed Result was the loss of trade and contact with each other

Why might the loss of trade and contact impact groups of people? 3 Minute Pause Read the question below. Discuss the answer with the people at your table. Be prepared to share your answer Why might the loss of trade and contact impact groups of people?

The Crusades 1096-1291 Many groups fight for their “Holy Land” The Pope wanted to increase his power Christians believed it was their duty to recover the Holy Land Nobles wanted to gain wealth. Adventurers sought travel and excitement Serfs hoped to escape feudal oppression

Impact of the Crusades A major results of the Crusades, include Cultural Diffusion increase in trade  European interest in goods from the east stimulated by returning Crusaders who brought back many things As the Crusades ended, ships that were once used to carry soldiers to the Middle East, now carried trade goods Merchants from rich Italian city states, such as Venice and Florence, dominated this trade. 

Make a Prediction Turn to your neighbor and discuss the question below. Besides increasing trade, what other impact do you think the Crusades had on Europe?

The Growth of Cities Job specialization Merchants sold their goods at fairs Located along water and sea routes These fairs grow into large trade centers Around the trade centers, towns and cities grew City growth, invited people to leave the country and move to the city Job specialization marked the beginning of the end of feudalism as serfs began to pay their feudal obligations with cash instead of service. An economy based on money, not barter emerged

Growth of Cities Middle class became loyal and began to protect trade routes for their monarch Increased need to educate people: Universities become common

Bubonic Plague The Bubonic plague was a highly infectious disease spread by the fleas on rats. Rats were common in the cities of this time. This particular outbreak first appeared in China In the early 1300’s with deaths of about 35 million Chinese. It was a global epidemic that that spread through the increased trade between counties. Between 1347 and 1353, the plague killed one person out of every three in Europe over 25 million.

The Renaissance Renaissance means “rebirth”. It was a golden age in the arts, literature and sciences. a new way of thinking, Humanism, focused on life in the present emphasized individual achievements. Ancient knowledge was rediscovered and the Classical period of the Greeks and Romans were glorified.

3 Minute Pause What might the people of Europe feel like if they experienced both the plague and the Renaissance?

The Rise of Nations Government by nobles and church declined Monarchs began to combine territories to create similar states to what we know in Europe today

Seafaring Technology/Navigation Nations started to compete with each other for the Asian trade In 1400 the only way to Asia was by land Renaissance science created many new techniques to help in long sea travel Marine Navigation in the Age of Exploration Website

Prince Henry the Navigator Prince Henry of Portugal loved to learn He also loved his church and wanted to spread the Christian faith around the world find an ocean route around Africa to Asia find gold He knew that Portuguese sailors needed to know more about navigation Navigation: the science of piloting ships Started a school to learn more about sailing

Prince Henry the Navigator Henry’s school, the new tools that were developed and the Caravel Ship opened up the time we know as the Age of Exploration Portugal would lead the way, but others would follow The Race was on!

3 Minute Pause What might have happened to the Age of Exploration without Prince Henry the Navigator and his school?

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