1. Late Medieval Europe (ca. 1300-1500)

2. Late Medieval Europe
Why should we consider this phase of European history as one of disasters?
Who were the “winners” and “losers” at this point in Europe?
Any parallels to events and crises of 20th and 21st centuries?

3. The Church Limits of Papal Power King Philip IV vs. Pope Boniface VIII
Boniface protested Philip’s taxation of French clergy, but had to back down
Philip arrested bishop for treason  Boniface outraged, but humiliated by king
Papacy now weaker than monarchs
Pope Boniface VIII (r )

4. Church of S. Francesca Romana, Rome
The Church
The “Babylonian Captivity” ( )
French pope elected to papacy
Moved to Avignon (1309)
French popes
Corruption?
Many unhappy Christians in western Europe
Papacy returned to Rome (1377)
Tomb of Pope Gregory XI,
Church of S. Francesca Romana, Rome

5. The Church The Great Western Schism (1378-1417)
Returning pope died (1378)
Turbulent election  new, Italian pope
Dissatisfaction  schism
Two popes! Then three popes!!!
Spiritual and political crisis!
Resolved at Council of Constance ( )

6. The Church
Questions?

7. Society Population growth  overpopulation (14th cent.)
Less land to cultivate
Wages decreased
Famines

8. Society The Black Death (1347-1350) Epidemic
Spread rapidly, contagious
Noticeable, painful symptoms
Very quick death

9. Society and Economy The Plague’s Origins
Began in Far East, traveled westward along trade routes
Carried by fleas on infected rats
Arrived in Europe at Mediterranean ports

10. Society The Black Death Cause debated Why??? Aftermath
Death of up to 1/2 of Europe’s population
Obsession with death
Recurred until 18th century

11. Society
Questions?

12. Politics and War The Hundred Years War (1337-1453)
Last Capetian monarch died (1328) – who succeeds?
English king was a relation
Philip VI elected by French nobility
Neither candidate conceded claims  war!
English claims to French lands

13. Politics and War The War: Initial English Success Strategy: raids
New technology
Longbows
Cannons
Territorial gains!
English king: new heir to throne (1420)
Battle of Créçy (1346)

14. Politics and War

15. Politics and War France Strikes Back JOAN OF ARC (1412-1431)
Teenage peasant, mystic
Claimed mission from God (1428)
Promised French heir
France rebounded
Joan captured, sold to English  burned at stake (May 1431)
Siege of Orléans

16. Politics and War Ultimate French Victory Northern France reconquered
English driven out by 1453

17. Politics and War Developments in Spain Muslim power weakened
Christian princes seized opportunity
RECONQUISTA: intermittent reconquest of Islamic Spain
Result: Christian Iberian states emerging

18. Political Issues Ferdinand and Isabella Unified Spanish crown (1469)
Completed Reconquista (1492)
Promoted fervent Catholicism
Expelled Muslims and Jews
Ferdinand and Isabella

19. Politics and War

20. Politics and War
Questions?

21. Late Medieval Europe
Why should we consider this phase of European history as one of disasters?
Who were the “winners” and “losers” at this point in Europe?
Any parallels to events and crises of 20th and 21st centuries?