By Joseph Enge Revisions: Mike Harvie

I.The period in history between the breakup of the Roman Empire (approx. 500 AD) and the Renaissance (approx AD) has become known as The Middle Ages, The Medieval Period, and The Dark Ages in Europe, especially Western Europe. I.The period in history between the breakup of the Roman Empire (approx. 500 AD) and the Renaissance (approx AD) has become known as The Middle Ages, The Medieval Period, and The Dark Ages in Europe, especially Western Europe.

A.In place of the government and order the Roman Empire had provided, a new system called feudalism came about. A.In place of the government and order the Roman Empire had provided, a new system called feudalism came about.

B.The Christian Church provided the only unifying force, during the Middle Ages, for Europe. It provided government services B.The Christian Church provided the only unifying force, during the Middle Ages, for Europe. It provided government services where no non-religious government existed. And, of course, it bound believers together.

II.Under feudalism, ruling power was held by lords who owned the land. II.Under feudalism, ruling power was held by lords who owned the land. A.Vassals were granted land by a lord, called a fief, according to a contract. 1.serfs were slaves (to a land parcel.) 2.villeins were free but did not own land, rented it instead.

Assessment Point Constrict a hierarchy diagram of the following page, what was the purpose of having the Villein category? Constrict a hierarchy diagram of the following page, what was the purpose of having the Villein category?

B.Manors were estates (areas of land) with a lord's manor house (castle) and demesne (lord's barns, stables, etc.) at the center. Lords often had help: B.Manors were estates (areas of land) with a lord's manor house (castle) and demesne (lord's barns, stables, etc.) at the center. Lords often had help:

1.stewards were legal advisers who reviewed accounts and held court. 1.stewards were legal advisers who reviewed accounts and held court. 2. bailiffs supervised peasants (serfs) and farm work, collected rents, dues, and fines. 2. bailiffs supervised peasants (serfs) and farm work, collected rents, dues, and fines. 3. reeves helped bailiffs, but also reported peasant complaints (about manor officials) to the lord. 3. reeves helped bailiffs, but also reported peasant complaints (about manor officials) to the lord.

C.Marriages were usually "arranged" and a dowry was expected. C.Marriages were usually "arranged" and a dowry was expected.

D.Feudal manor houses (castles) usually had big stone towers, called keeps, to provide safety during an attack. D.Feudal manor houses (castles) usually had big stone towers, called keeps, to provide safety during an attack. 1.High walls with walkways near the top and moats that could be crossed only by using the drawbridge also protected the manor house. 2.The castles themselves, however, were filthy, dark, and cold.

III.The Christian Church crossed feudal boundary lines. III.The Christian Church crossed feudal boundary lines.

A.European Christians believed only the Church could give eternal salvation through the seven sacraments. A.European Christians believed only the Church could give eternal salvation through the seven sacraments. B.But also, the Church handled many government services; it waspowerful. B.But also, the Church handled many government services; it waspowerful. What were the seven sacraments, how do you think they derived them?

The new Order What is the purpose of this new order of things, what are its dangers?

C.Heresy (holding religious beliefs contrary to established church doctrine) was punishable by excommunication (out of the church,no sacraments, no salvation) or burned at the stake. C.Heresy (holding religious beliefs contrary to established church doctrine) was punishable by excommunication (out of the church,no sacraments, no salvation) or burned at the stake. D.Pope Innocent III declared himself above any other (human) ruler around 1200 and said the word of the Church was final. D.Pope Innocent III declared himself above any other (human) ruler around 1200 and said the word of the Church was final.

E.The Church had become rich through tithes, gifts, and feudalinheritance. E.The Church had become rich through tithes, gifts, and feudalinheritance.

F.Between 1095 and 1291 the Crusades were fought to regain the Holy Land (Jerusalem, etc.) for the Christians.

Assessment Point Why had the church become SO very powerful? Why had the church become SO very powerful? What explains their power and influence? What explains their power and influence? What was the purpose of the crusades? What was the purpose of the crusades?

IV.Toward the end of the Middle Ages towns and cities redeveloped. IV.Toward the end of the Middle Ages towns and cities redeveloped.

A.Trade over large areas increased. A.Trade over large areas increased. 1.Money replaced barter. 1.Money replaced barter. 2.Interest was charged on loans. 2.Interest was charged on loans. 3.Credit made trade travel safer. 3.Credit made trade travel safer.

B.Overcrowding in towns brought problems. B.Overcrowding in towns brought problems. 1.Poor sanitation brought plagues, such as bubonic plague (black death). 1.Poor sanitation brought plagues, such as bubonic plague (black death). 2.Also, a new middle class of businessmen emerged; they 2.Also, a new middle class of businessmen emerged; they formed guilds.

V.Finally, united countries formed, headed by strong monarchies. V.Finally, united countries formed, headed by strong monarchies.

A.Merchants (with money) wanted safety between towns and cities. A.Merchants (with money) wanted safety between towns and cities.

B.England, France, and Spain formed between 1450 and B.England, France, and Spain formed between 1450 and C.Germany and Italy did not unite until the 1800's. C.Germany and Italy did not unite until the 1800's.

Henry V American Rhetoric: Movie Speech from Henry V - Saint Crispin's Day Speech