Europe in the Middle Ages AP World History LSW

European Feudalism: “feud” or “fief”-an estate in land or money granted by a superior on condition of rendering him/her services in the future several causes/definitions of feudalism: feudalism as a whole system of life-economic, political, cultural, and social-centered on lordship feudalism as political and legal, a type of government weakening of central power within the Carolingian Empire led to an increase in power of local authorities

Viking Invasions: “Northmen” or “Norman”-pagan Germanic peoples from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark assaults began around 787, by mid-tenth century, they conquered large sections of continental Europe and Britain advanced seamen with methods of boatbuilding Reasons for invasions: overpopulation forced the Vikings to emigrate , climatic conditions, crop failures, looking for trade and new commercial contacts Vikings used fear as a strategy These invasions accelerated the development of feudalism Vikings left traces of their culture: knowledge of ship-building

The Crusades: 11th and 12th centuries holy wars sponsored by the papacy for the recovery of the Holy Land from the Muslim Arabs or Turks crusading a distinctive feature of the upper-class lifestyle army against the enemies of Christianity Crusades offered travel and excitement for the adventurous, gave kings the opportunity to rid themselves of troublesome knights, opportunity to acquire land in the Middle East brought prejudice against Jews (debt, blaming Jews for crucifixion) Women joined in on the Crusades illustrating they could wield considerable power=degree of power Crusades had little long-term effect on Europe Deep bitterness remained between Islam and Christendom

Charlemagne: Charles the Great, First Holy Roman Emperor Crowned Emperor in 800 AD Head of Carolingian line, united central Europe Fierce Military leader, valued education. Sons divided land and Holy Roman Empire after death

Medieval Universities: 12th century: cathedral schools in France and municipal schools in Italy developed into Universities Filled need for educated government workers/bureaucratic officials Both Secular and Church related Early universities included Bologna, Oxford, and Paris (Notre Dame) Education included ancient texts, religion, philosophy, natural science, logic, and other subjects. Lecture format with few books for students (pre-printing press)

Black Death: Bubonic plague, spread from merchants ships traveling from Southeastern Russian to Italy and into Europe in 1347 Killed 1.4 million in England alone; possibly 1/3 or Europe’s total population Effected culture, religion, medicine, literature, economics, and art.

The Hundred Years War: Fought between French and British, from 1337-1453 Fought over geographic, religious, economic rivalries Joan of Arc and military advancements changed the tide of fighting English pushed off main land France by 1453 Disastrous war for both nations; major loss of population and economy for both sides

Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther became a priest in 1507, earned a Doctorate of Theology in 1512. Luther was outraged by Church practices of Pluralism and Indulgences. Luther writes 95 Theses in condemnation of the sale of indulgences and corruption in the church Luther’s Protestantism provided new answers to the questions of Catholicism Faith was the basis of salvation, not wealth, and other reforms, became popular messages and propelled the start of Protestant religions