European Middle Ages

European Middle Ages Clear Trends 500-1000 = political decentralization and backwardness Emerged out of ruins of Roman Empire Similar to Japan and Africa in political development Impact of Vikings, Magyar & Muslim invasions Disrupted development Protection was valued Gave rise to feudalism and the Manorial system

E. 1000-1300 = General revival in Europe More defined nations - France, England, Spain, Russia Stronger economy Trade increases Hanseatic League- Northern Germany and Scandinavia Black Sea trade Through central Europe Pop. Increases Revival of Cities! Improved tech. & cultural knowledge Ag. Improvements Printing press

4. Intellectual Movements Increased interest in learning from past & present societies Rise of universities Synthesis of faith and reason Thomas Aquinas– high point of scholasticism’ Summas Sought to reconcile faith & reason 5. Emergence of concept = Europe as single civilization a. Joined by common heritage and Christian rel.

II. Feudalism and Manor System Origins of feudalism Inability to create centralized rule Need for protection and localized control Based on reciprocal economic obligations Timeline of Feudalism 800 – feudalism expands to cover wider area 900 – Regional lords evolve into Feudal monarchs 1066 – William conquers England = feudalism + central gov’t 1200 – origins of limited and rep. gov’t

III. Medieval Church Most stable institution of Middle Ages Main source of intellectual activity Christian Orders Developed Benedictines – monastic life Franciscans & Dominicans – called for return to simplicity and poverty of early church. - Appalled by heresy within church

The Growth of European Kingdoms I. Kings Gain Power during High Middle Ages Increasing land through wars and marriage Extended power through greater wealth Enabled monarchs to hire soldiers and officials Reduced dependence on vassals

England in the High Middle Ages 1066 – Norman conquest of England establishes feudal monarchy in England. 1215 – King John forced to sign Magna Carta Limited king’s power 1295 – 1st English Parliament Law beginning to be determined by king in consultation with reps.

The Capetian Monarchs Build a French Kingdom Capetian dynasty established in 987 – No real power over most of France. King Philip II (1180-1223)gained power and land from England 1302 – Estates General (French Parliament) was born Bringing together reps. From 3 estates or classes Clergy = 1st Estate Nobles = 2nd Estate Townspeople = 3rd Estate Feudal Monarchy in England vs. France 1. 1066 Norman conquest of England establishes a feudal monarchy in England much more rapidly than occurs in France.