Time after Roman Empire fell They were cut off of more advanced civilizations Invaders came in, trade stopped and people left This time is also called the “Middle Ages”
Came in and conquered parts of Europe after Roman Empire collapsed. Goths, Vandals, Saxons and Franks
Grandson of the king of the Franks Briefly united Europe (where Italy, Germany and France are today) He used Christianity and education to unify new nation “Father of Europe”
Ended unified nation that Charlemagne built by taking over land
Based on social class and protection of land Lesser lords, called vassals, pledged service and loyalty to the powerful lord Feudal system was put in place for protection from invaders
Lord’s estate with churches and smaller villages Serfs (peasants)- had to live and work on the land Serfs produced everything from food to clothes
Western Europe was now all Christian. Rituals and faith dominated daily life. Sacraments- sacred rites of church that would lead those to Heaven. Christian holidays Churches were the largest social gathering building
Papal Supremacy Pope was supreme authority over everyone Cannon Law Laws created by the Church to govern anything from marriage to wills Anyone who disobeyed Cannon Law was excommunicated…kicked out of Church
Improvement in technology will rise in Europe New machinery to do more & faster More production of food! More food=more population More trade routes More population=more people trading More trading=more towns/cities
As trade routes grew, the use of $$$ grew This created businesses As more people started to make money…the rise of the Middle Class emerges.
Cities surrounded by high, protective walls Overcrowding as population grew No garbage removal existed…people threw their waste out their windows into the streets Disease and death was common
Black Death Global epidemic 1 in 3 died Rats became infected, which carried fleas, which bit humans…rapid infection occurred. Unsanitary conditions
Black Death People believed black death was God’s punishment for sins Most people blamed the Jews (thought they poisoned the drinking wells) Thousands of Jews were slaughtered.
Impact of Black Death People’s faith in God/Church declined Castles and feudalism declined with loss of population Kings now needed ARMIES to protect land and not knights…need bigger, powerful force Trading/exploring will begin to increase around the word as manufacturing grows