1. Challenges of the Late Middle Ages

2. In the late Middle Ages, Europeans faced many challenges. Religious Crises Wars and Conflicts And a Deadly Plague 300 - 1500

3. Religious Crises The Church was the one institution that united Europe together. However, towards the end of the Middle Ages, corruption and weak leadership in the Church undermined its authority and people’s faith in it. Heresy - beliefs that opposed the official teachings of the Church, increased Avignon Papacy— Popes lived in wealth and splendor in Avignon, France instead of Rome. Great Schism— Period of almost 40 years when 2 men claimed to be Pope which confused people. 300 - 1500

4. Wars and Conflicts While Europe faced religious turmoil, political leaders were fighting numerous wars to gain power for themselves Hundred Years War - 1328 - no heir to the French throne - except the King of England, Edward VII (nephew) – –Joan of Arc - 1429 young peasant French girl led several victories, but she was eventually captured War of the Roses - two English families Yorks and the Lancasters - fought for the throne\ In the 14 th Century there were also a number of Peasant revolts as peasants lashed out against the demands of the lords 300 - 1500

5. Black Death While the Hundred Years War was taking place, another crisis struck the people of Europe The Black Death - devastating plague that swept across the continent between 1347 and 1351. Bubonic Plague - spread by flees that lived on rats and other rats Pneumonic plague - spread through the air from person to person Was God punishing Europeans for their sins? Effects – major loss of population (1/3 rd of Europe) and an end to the manorial system 300 - 1500

6. Impact on Europe Changes in SocietyChanges in Society –The Black Death, religious crises, & conflicts caused a decrease in population that led to decreased food prices –Because people had more money to spend on other things, demand rose, encouraging people to specialize to meet the demand. –This helped to stimulate more trade. Rise of Italian City-StatesRise of Italian City-States –Crusades had already helped to increase trade between Europe and the Middle East –The wealth gained from trading contacts made during the Crusades plus the increased demand & specialization in the 14 th century helped to make the Italian city-states some of the wealthiest in the world. – They used this wealth to make their individual city- states more beautiful than any other in Europe.