Diffusion of Ideas and Systems: The Middle Ages in Europe New political, economic and social structures emerge upon the collapse of political systems to provide protection and services to people in a society.

Decline of Rome Formation of Medieval Europe

Roman army is unable to defend the Empire. Empire is overrun by “Barbarians” – Mongols, Huns, Franks.

Inflation People are unable to afford food

People’s loyalty to the empire declines People are unwilling to serve the Empire

Roman rulers are corrupt, lack morals, and cannot maintain control. The Empire is split and Constantinople is established as a 2 nd capitol.

People seek protection from invaders. Feudalism develops and the Church becomes powerful.

William of Normandy (William the Conqueror) led a French Army and defeated Harold the Saxon for the English throne. William became William I of England.

He declared all of England his personal property. Granted land to about 200 Norman lords Laid the foundation for centralized government

Grandson of William I made major reforms to the royal power in England. Consolidated courts – more crimes and civil cases would be tried by the Royal Courts

Common Law developed – laws are created by decisions of the judges, earlier decisions are used as precedents. Grand Jury System – a jury determines if there is enough evidence to justify a trial

Attempted to bring the church courts under his control Failed after his clash with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas à Becket

John and Richard the Lionhearted were both sons of Henry II. John - Ineffective ruler – lost territory to the French, taxed heavily and abandoned jury trials to punish his enemies

A large group of his vassal lords revolted against him in 1215 and forced him to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede The Magna Carta required the king to observe due process of law

Was intended to protect the lords, but it later protected merchants and peasants Became the foundation of the English system of constitutional government

War began when the French King died with no heirs. The English King (who was a French- speaking descendant of William the Conqueror) claimed the French throne. In 1429 Joan of Arc drove the English out of France. She was captured by the English and burnt at the stake.