1. Chapter 1, Section 4 – August 29

2. The Fall of the Roman Empire  After A.D. 200, Roman influence and power declined because of Germanic tribes from the north and poor leadership.

3. The Fall of the Roman Empire Fall of the Roman Empire, A.D. 476

4. The Fall of the Roman Empire  This began the Middle Ages or “Dark Ages” in Europe. Cities shrank and populations declined.

5. Charlemagne  King of the Germanic Franks.  Crowned as “Roman emperor” in A.D. 800.  United areas of Western Europe with the Roman legacy and the Christian Church.

6. Background of English Government  1066-1215: Feudal Government  Royalty (elected by God)  Nobility (mostly rich landowners)  Commoners (everyone else)  Power shared between royalty and nobility

7. The Magna Carta  “Great charter”  Strengthened the idea that a king’s power was limited, not absolute.  Signed by English King John in 1215.  Led to trial by jury