European Middle Ages (500 - 1500 A.D.) and the Formation of Western Europe
Unit 2: Essential Questions
1. Analyze the Feudal system and rise of the Church during the Middle Ages. Pay specific attention to the manor system and the changing role of the Church. (Discuss influence of Charles Martel and Charlemagne)
Firstly, look at the role of feudalism and explain who had to protect whom, and how this was done. You can refer to the Feudal Pyramid (illustration provided) and the explanation of the feudal system on p. 360.
Secondly, explain the economic side of feudalism and how the manor system formed the basic economic structure in society during this time. Manors were economically self-sufficient, meaning that they took care of all of their own needs within a small community. This system is explained on pp. 360 – 363.
Finally, provide a brief overview of the rise of the Church, its increasing role in politics after Gregory I became pope (p. 355) and the beginning of the Carolingian Dynasty (p. 356). You should include the following highlights:
Firstly, look at the role of feudalism and explain who had to protect whom, and how this was done. You can refer to the Feudal Pyramid (illustration provided) and the explanation of the feudal system on p. 360.
Secondly, explain the economic side of feudalism and how the manor system formed the basic economic structure in society during this time. Manors were economically self-sufficient, meaning that they took care of all of their own needs within a small community. This system is explained on pp. 360 – 363.
Finally, provide a brief overview of the rise of the Church, its increasing role in politics after Gregory I became pope (p. 355) and the beginning of the Carolingian Dynasty (p. 356). You should include the following highlights:
- Clovis converted to Christianity, leading the Germans to adopting Christianity. This resulted in monasteries being established in Europe, and the spread of education.
- The role of Charles Martel (extended Franks' territory and defeated Muslims) and the Carolingian Dynasty.
- Charlemagne (Charles the Great) extended the Frankish rule, led a Revival and encouraged education.
2. List and briefly describe three ways in which Medieval Europe was affected by improved agricultural practices. Why did improved farming techniques have these effects?
Begin this question by briefly explaining what these improved agricultural practices were, i.e. the switch to horsepower and the three-field system (p. 387). This lead to an increase in food production, so villagers had more to eat, and therefore they were able to resist disease and live longer. However, this was only the beginning of the economic changes that happened as a result! Once there was enough food for everyone, and people were not simply trying to survive, but actually began to thrive, the economy began to change. Look at the role of guilds (p. 388) and the resulting commercial revolution (p. 389). Ultimately these changes led to people moving away from farms and living in cities, which in turn led to urban life developing and even flourishing (pp. 390 – 391).
Begin this question by briefly explaining what these improved agricultural practices were, i.e. the switch to horsepower and the three-field system (p. 387). This lead to an increase in food production, so villagers had more to eat, and therefore they were able to resist disease and live longer. However, this was only the beginning of the economic changes that happened as a result! Once there was enough food for everyone, and people were not simply trying to survive, but actually began to thrive, the economy began to change. Look at the role of guilds (p. 388) and the resulting commercial revolution (p. 389). Ultimately these changes led to people moving away from farms and living in cities, which in turn led to urban life developing and even flourishing (pp. 390 – 391).
THINK ABOUT THIS:
One small invention (such as harnesses for horses) changed the way that way that people lived in a fundamental way! This change is quite remarkable and can easily be compared to our lives before and after technology such as the Internet, to give but one example! The Internet did not only make access to information easier (its original purpose), but changed the way we live and do business.
One small invention (such as harnesses for horses) changed the way that way that people lived in a fundamental way! This change is quite remarkable and can easily be compared to our lives before and after technology such as the Internet, to give but one example! The Internet did not only make access to information easier (its original purpose), but changed the way we live and do business.
3. What were the main causes and effects of the Hundred Years War?
The Hundred Years’ War refers to a continuous battle between England and France which eventually marked the end of the Middle Ages. It started initially because England’s Edward III claimed the right to the French throne in 1337, but continued for more than 100 years until 1453. The final outcome was that the French were able to drive England out of France (except for Calais), but it also brought about big changes in the way that wars were fought. Read more about this on pp. 401 – 402. The final effects of the war are discussed on p. 403 under The Impact of the Hundred Years’ War. The most significant effect of the war, of course, is the fact that two pillars that supported this era, religious devotion and chivalry, had both crumbled, bringing about the end of an era known as the Middle Ages.
The Hundred Years’ War refers to a continuous battle between England and France which eventually marked the end of the Middle Ages. It started initially because England’s Edward III claimed the right to the French throne in 1337, but continued for more than 100 years until 1453. The final outcome was that the French were able to drive England out of France (except for Calais), but it also brought about big changes in the way that wars were fought. Read more about this on pp. 401 – 402. The final effects of the war are discussed on p. 403 under The Impact of the Hundred Years’ War. The most significant effect of the war, of course, is the fact that two pillars that supported this era, religious devotion and chivalry, had both crumbled, bringing about the end of an era known as the Middle Ages.
4. What were the causes and effects of the Crusades?
The Crusades were a series of Holy Wars launched by the Christian states of Europe against the Saracens who were Muslim, and centered on the city of Jerusalem and the Holy places of Palestine. Many Christians wished to travel to these holy places, and at first the Saracens allowed them to do so in peace. However, 3,000 Christians were massacred when Jerusalem was overtaken by the Turks in 1065, awakening the desire in Europe to save the Holy Land and Jerusalem from the “infidels”. Other reasons for participating in a crusade included the belief that fighting in a crusade would give one forgiveness of sins, the chance to travel and make money, the opportunity for younger sons of European nobles to get new land in the Middle East, and also the possibility of opening up new trade routes between Europe and the Middle East. You can read more about this on pp. 382. Read more about this at http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/crusades/cause-of-crusades.htm
There were eight crusades altogether. The Crusades showed the power of the Church, but it also changed the economy as a result of increased trading opportunities and the development of a middle class that was able to break the power of the aristocracy. Furthermore, the crusaders were exposed to the knowledge of science and learning of the East, stimulating their search for intellectual growth and eventually leading to a revival of learning and knowledge that would later become known as the Renaissance. The failures of the Crusades undermined the power of the Pope, but the most lasting effect of the Crusades may be the legacy of hate and bitterness between Christians, Jews and Muslims that exists even today. The effects are discussed more fully at http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/crusades/effects-of-crusades.htm. The relevant section in the textbook can be found on pp. 382 – 385.
The Crusades were a series of Holy Wars launched by the Christian states of Europe against the Saracens who were Muslim, and centered on the city of Jerusalem and the Holy places of Palestine. Many Christians wished to travel to these holy places, and at first the Saracens allowed them to do so in peace. However, 3,000 Christians were massacred when Jerusalem was overtaken by the Turks in 1065, awakening the desire in Europe to save the Holy Land and Jerusalem from the “infidels”. Other reasons for participating in a crusade included the belief that fighting in a crusade would give one forgiveness of sins, the chance to travel and make money, the opportunity for younger sons of European nobles to get new land in the Middle East, and also the possibility of opening up new trade routes between Europe and the Middle East. You can read more about this on pp. 382. Read more about this at http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/crusades/cause-of-crusades.htm
There were eight crusades altogether. The Crusades showed the power of the Church, but it also changed the economy as a result of increased trading opportunities and the development of a middle class that was able to break the power of the aristocracy. Furthermore, the crusaders were exposed to the knowledge of science and learning of the East, stimulating their search for intellectual growth and eventually leading to a revival of learning and knowledge that would later become known as the Renaissance. The failures of the Crusades undermined the power of the Pope, but the most lasting effect of the Crusades may be the legacy of hate and bitterness between Christians, Jews and Muslims that exists even today. The effects are discussed more fully at http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/crusades/effects-of-crusades.htm. The relevant section in the textbook can be found on pp. 382 – 385.
5. Discuss the causes, effects and lasting impact of the Black Plague throughout Europe and Asia.
The Black Death came to Europe in October of 1347, spreading swiftly through most of Europe and leading to the deaths of nearly half of the people living at the time. It took the form of bubonic plague for the "buboes" (lumps) that formed on the victims' bodies, as well as pneumonic and septicemic form; in fact, many scientists believe it was a pandemic of various diseases. Bubonic plague was spread through fleas, and pneumonic plague could be easily spread through a sneeze. Today we know that disease can be curtailed by better hygienic practices such as washing hands and bathing regularly, but at the time many medieval people reacted to it in fear and panic, often abandoning their families and fleeing the cities. The effects of the Black Plague were numerous, ranging from socio-economic effect to specific effects on the church. The topic is discussed in the textbook on p. 401, and additional information on the causes and effects of the Black Plague can be found on this website: http://historymedren.about.com/od/theblackdeath/p/blackdeath.htm
The Black Plague had a lasting effect on society and, more specifically on the Church. The power and prestige of the Church were damaged and led to the beginning of the loss of power for the Catholic Church in Western Europe. People became disenchanted with the power of the Catholic Church, which would eventually lead to the emergence of Protestant Churches that broke away from the beliefs and rituals of the previously dominant Catholic Church.
The Black Death came to Europe in October of 1347, spreading swiftly through most of Europe and leading to the deaths of nearly half of the people living at the time. It took the form of bubonic plague for the "buboes" (lumps) that formed on the victims' bodies, as well as pneumonic and septicemic form; in fact, many scientists believe it was a pandemic of various diseases. Bubonic plague was spread through fleas, and pneumonic plague could be easily spread through a sneeze. Today we know that disease can be curtailed by better hygienic practices such as washing hands and bathing regularly, but at the time many medieval people reacted to it in fear and panic, often abandoning their families and fleeing the cities. The effects of the Black Plague were numerous, ranging from socio-economic effect to specific effects on the church. The topic is discussed in the textbook on p. 401, and additional information on the causes and effects of the Black Plague can be found on this website: http://historymedren.about.com/od/theblackdeath/p/blackdeath.htm
The Black Plague had a lasting effect on society and, more specifically on the Church. The power and prestige of the Church were damaged and led to the beginning of the loss of power for the Catholic Church in Western Europe. People became disenchanted with the power of the Catholic Church, which would eventually lead to the emergence of Protestant Churches that broke away from the beliefs and rituals of the previously dominant Catholic Church.