High Middle Ages

Guild

An organization of merchants or skilled craftspeople that controlled training, quality, prices, and working conditions in a particular trade.

Parliament

Parliament of England was a representative assembly that advised the king and eventually gained the power to make laws and approve taxes.

Estates-General

1. Clergy (First Estate)

2. Nobles (Second Estate)

3. Commoners (Third Estate)

Magna Carta

Magna Carta was a document signed by King John of England in 1215 that limited the king’s power and protected certain rights of nobles. It became an important foundation for constitutional government.

William the Conqueror

William the Conqueror was the Duke of Normandy who conquered England in 1066 after winning the Battle of Hastings. He became King of England and strengthened royal authority.

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl who claimed to receive divine guidance and helped lead French forces during the Hundred Years’ War. She became a national hero of France.

Crusades

A series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims from approximately 1096 to 1291, largely over control of the Holy Land.

Hundred Years’ War

Hundred Years’ War was a long conflict between England and France fought from 1337 to 1453 over territory and claims to the French throne.

Black Death

Black Death was a deadly plague that swept through Europe, Asia, and North Africa during the mid-1300s, killing millions of people.

The Black Death

• Killed about one-third of Europe’s population.

• Created severe labor shortages.

• Workers could demand higher wages.

• Weakened the feudal system because peasants gained more bargaining power.

• Caused fear, social unrest, and economic disruption.

The Crusades

• Increased trade between Europe and the Middle East.

• Introduced Europeans to new products, ideas, and technologies.

• Helped towns and cities grow.

• Increased the power of monarchs while weakening some feudal nobles.

The Hundred Years’ War

• Strengthened national identities in England and France.

• Reduced the power of feudal nobles.

• Increased the authority of kings and centralized governments.

• Encouraged the development of stronger national armies.

Growth of Trade

• Trade expanded after the Crusades.

• Merchants became wealthier.

• Markets and trade fairs attracted people to towns.

Rise of Towns and Cities

• People moved from manors to towns seeking jobs and opportunities.

• Cities became centers of business and manufacturing.

Guilds

• Guilds organized skilled workers and merchants.

• They helped regulate trade and supported economic growth.

Money Economy

• More people began using money rather than exchanging services for land.

• This reduced dependence on the traditional feudal system.

Magna Carta (1215)

• Established that the king was not above the law.

• Protected certain rights of nobles.

• Introduced the idea of limited government.

Parliament in England

• Representatives met to discuss taxes and laws.

• Over time Parliament gained greater influence over government.

Estates-General in France

• Gave different social groups a voice in government affairs.

• Served as an early representative assembly.

Growing Town Governments

• Many towns received charters that allowed local self-rule.

• Citizens often elected local officials and managed local affairs.

Key Concepts

• The Black Death weakened feudalism by reducing the population and increasing workers’ value.

• The Crusades expanded trade and encouraged the growth of towns.

• The Hundred Years’ War strengthened national governments and identities.

The growth of trade, towns, guilds, and a money economy challenged feudalism.