1. The Late Middle Ages

2. Popes Kings Head of Holy Roman Church (everyone in Medieval Europe belonged to this church) Held great spiritual power Seen as God’s representative Had power to kick people out of the church (excommunicate) Single ruler of a kingdom or empire Held great political power (laws) 3 most powerful kings: France, England, Holy Roman Empire

3. The Crusades A series of wars fought by Europe to gain control of Muslim controlled Holy Land

4. The Crusades Causes Muslims attacked Christians going to the Holy Land Muslims attacked parts of Christian Europe Effects Stimulated trade between Europe and Asia Kings became more powerful Tension between Christians, Muslims, and Jews grew

5. The Plague Also called the Black Death, the bubonic plague swept through Europe between 1347 and 1351

6. The Plague Causes Rats from Asia spread infected fleas Poor sanitation Poor hygiene Effects Killed 1/3 of the population in Europe Helped destroy feudalism and the manorial system

7. The 100 Years War A series of wars fought between England and France Lasted 120 years Important Person – Joan of Arc – young peasant girl who believed she had visions from God. Led French army to several victories against England.

8. The 100 Years War Causes Argument over claim to the French throne and land Resolution Changed government of France and England England – Parliament France – more powerful king French drove English away

9. Common Law Court decisions based on local customs and previous decisions Laws and decisions in one part of England could be different from those in another part

10. The Magna Carta Document created by the nobles of England outlining the basic rights of men King John I was forced to sign it into law Basis for modern concepts of jury trials and legal rights U.S. Constitution is modeled after this document