1. Western Europe THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

2. Hierarchy and Authority  Traditional hierarchy societies had authority that came from above. (Kings & Princes)  The hierarchy used land for services.  Kings used land to aquire Barrons/Nobles; the king used the nobles to work on the royal council and to provide Knights for the military.  The Nobles provided land to Knights, to provide military services for the king.  The Knights provided land to Peasants/Serfs, as long as they provided them with food and other services.

3. Peasant Society  During 1450, most Europeans were peasants and lived in small villages, working with other families. Peasants had farming rights in exchange with labor on the lord's estate, which turned peasants into serfs. By turning into serfs they gained the right to pay rent and own land.  With the right of no labor for their farming, they started to produce surpluses and created local market economies.  Peasants had a life of poverty. Mothers fed the boys and the girls mainly died so the brothers can live. But most peasants died at the age of 21.  Peasants had strong religious beliefs that accepted their harsh life

4. Expanding Trade Networks  In the 1450's Europe was recovering from the dark ages.  Increased International trad lead to rapidly expanding economies.  Caused by political reform which gave more power to merchants and land owners.  New trade power led Europeans to traveling all over the world.

5. Myths, Religions, and Holy Wariors  The Crusades - Pope Urban II started the first crusade in 1095. - The Roman Catholic held immense power in Western Europe  Reformation - Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church with the 95th thesis. - Weakened the churches power  Division of the church - Europe was divided into Catholic and Protestant countries - This division created tensions which led to rivalries and war

6. Quiz 1. How were the kings able to receive service from the people? 2. Why did the peasants work for the Knights? 3. How long did most peasants live during 1450? 4. What were peasants turned into? 5. What rights did the peasants get when they turned into serfs? 6. T/F Political reforms gave more power to monarchies, increasing trade? 7. Who started the 1st crusade? 8. Who posted the 95th thesis? 9. Europe started the 1450's recovering from___________? 10. What spurred European economic growth? A. Trade B. Exploration C. War D. Technological Advancements