The Decline of Medieval Europe

At the beginning of the 14 th century there are many problems in Europe: Bad harvests lead to famine The Bubonic Plague kills 1/2 of the population Conflict between Britain and France causes instability and takes many lives

The 100 years war The British control land that France wants to reclaim. French and English fight over control of trade When the French King dies without an heir, there is a struggle to find the next King. England’s king (Edward III) makes a claim to the French throne: his mother was the sister of three former French kings!

The French Monarchy

The 116 years war? The 100 years war was really a series of wars that lasted from 1337 to Early on the English won many battles due to superior strategy and weapons (especially the longbow)longbow French soldiers were limited by their use of armor and immobility on horseback.

Joan of Arc In 1429, a 17-year old peasant said that she had received a message from God: she was to save France. Joan leads a successful campaign, but is captured and tried for witchcraft by the English. She is burned at the stake and made a martyr. By 1453 the French recaptured all their territory

Consequences of the 100 Years’ War? Increased national pride for French and English Emergence of Governments (for ex: Parliament in Britain) People supported the government, not the lords This was the beginning of ‘nations’ – people bound together by a government, language, culture and ideas.

Cause, Event, Effect Bubonic Plague Cause 1 Cause 2 Cause 3 Effect 1 Effect 2 Effect Years’ War Cause 1 Cause 2 Cause 3 Effect 1 Effect 2 Effect 3