AP Euro Ch 11 and 12

The Black Death 1346-1353

The Black Death 1346-1353

plague appearing in europe in 1347 and is said to have killed a little less than half of the population

Giovanni Bocaccio 1313-1375

an important Renaissance Italian writer, humanist and poet. He created the Decameron which vividly described the Black Death

The Hundred Years’ War 1337-1453

Conflict between France and England from 1337 to 1453 which had political and financial issues

Joan of Arc 1412-1431

a peasant girl who led the French army in a historic victory at Orleans during th Hundred Years’ War

estates general

The assembly that represented the 3 estates (prior to the French Revolution): the clergy (1st estate); nobility (2nd estates); and the people (3rd estate). The 1st estate and clergy were privileged and the 2nd represented most of the population

Charles VII

from 1422 until his death in 1461, Charles VII, often known as the Victorious or the Well-Served, ruled France. During his rule, the Hundred Years War came to a close and the English claims to the French crown were effectively terminated

Lollards

people who, from around 1382, were followers of John Wycliffe, theologian and philosopher at the University of Oxford, whose unconventional social and theological views somewhat modeled those of the Protestant Reformation in 16th century

Hussites

any believers of the Bohemian religious reformer Jan Haus, who was executed at the stake after being condemned by the Council of Constance (1414-18)

The Great Schism (1378)

the divide in church leadership between two and eventually three popes between 1378 and 1417

Conciliar Theory (1378-1417)

the idea that an entire council may rule over a pope

boyars

the upper class of Russian aristocracy

Mongols (1206-1368)

people who originated as nomadic tribes in modern day Mongolia; and bulit an empire that spanned from Eastern Europe to Korea. Slavic rulers were taken over by the Mongols, who made them pay with slaves, money and valuables

Constantinople (330-1453)

the Byzantine Empire’s capital, when the Eastern Roman Empire was thinning and falling apart

Hanseatic League (12th-17th century)

german commercial groups overseas and in northern German cities. The league controlled trade throughout the 13th and 15 centuries.

Byzantine Empire (330-1453)

the eastern half of the Roman Empire that, after the western part had disintegrated into several feudal kingdoms; lasted for a millennium till falling in 1453 to Ottoman Turkish attacks.

Feudalism

social and economic system built on a network of mutually reinforcing interactions. The land that lords were granted by the monarch in exchange for their service, typically by military support, belonged to the king in theory.

Italian Renaissance (14th-17th century)

when the 14th-17th centuries saw significant advancements in European culture. It signaled the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Modern Era, which was defined by notable advancements in literature, art, science, architecture, and politics. (Born in Florence)

Humanism (14th-15th century)

philosophical viewpoint that places more emphasis on human action, potential and ideals than on supernatural or religious ideas. It first appeared in the Renaissance when academics began devoting more time to the study of ancient Greek and Roman writings for their own purpose as opposed to utilizing them to support religious claims

Petrarch

an Italian poet from the 14th century, Francesco Petrarca, aka Petrarch, became interested in classical texts from Ancient Rome. In his quest for misplaced classical manuscripts, he traveled through Italy and discovered several works by the great Roman philosopher Cicero. Because of his contributions to restoring scholarly interest in ancient studies, Petrarch is regarded as the ‘Father of Humanism’

What were some of the most negative things that happened during the Renaissance?

• increase in wealth and power among the elite, with vast disparities between the rich and the poor. This economic disparity often led to social tensions and unrest.

• The Renaissance laid the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation, which led to severe religious conflicts and wars, such as the Thirty Years' War. This period was marked by intense religious strife, persecution, and violence

• The Black Death had earlier ravaged Europe, but recurring outbreaks of plague and other diseases continued to impact the population throughout the Renaissance.

• the shift from feudalism to a more market-oriented economy led to the decline of traditional feudal structures and hardships for those dependent on them.

What were some of the most positive things that happened during the Renaissance?

How do you think the Dark Ages in Europe compared to other places in the world during this time?

Revival of Classical Learning

• Humanism: The Renaissance saw the resurgence of interest in classical antiquity, particularly the works of ancient Greece and Rome. Humanism emphasized the study of classical texts, which fostered a renewed focus on the value of individual achievement and the potential of human capabilities.

• Scholarly Advancements: Scholars like Petrarch and Erasmus contributed to the preservation and study of classical texts, promoting a broader understanding of history, philosophy, and literature.

• Inventions: The period saw the invention of important technologies, including the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. The printing press revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge, making books more accessible and fostering the spread of Renaissance ideas.

  Development of Humanism and Education

  • Educational Reform: Humanism influenced educational reform, emphasizing the study of the humanities—grammar, rhetoric, history, and moral philosophy. This shift helped shape modern education and encouraged a more well-rounded approach to learning.

• Political and Economic Changes

  • Rise of Nation-States: The period contributed to the development of centralized nation-states. The consolidation of power in various regions led to more structured and stable governments.

  • Economic Growth: The Renaissance era was marked by economic expansion, particularly in trade and commerce. Cities like Venice, Florence, and Genoa became important economic hubs, which fostered cultural and intellectual exchange.

• Cultural and Intellectual Flourishing

  • Expansion of Knowledge: The Renaissance led to significant advancements in various fields of study, including philosophy, literature, and the arts. Intellectuals began to explore new ideas and challenge established doctrines, leading to a more dynamic cultural environment.

How do you think feudalism/the class system will affct Europe in the 15th century and beyond?

Political Changes

• Centralization of Power: Monarchs (kings and queens) began to centralize their power, weakening the influence of local lords. This led to stronger, more unified nation-states like France and England.

• Rise of Nation-States: The decline of feudalism helped create modern countries with centralized governments.

2. Economic Changes

• Shift to Capitalism: As feudalism declined, Europe moved toward a market-based economy. Trade and commerce became more important than land-based wealth.

• Urban Growth: Cities grew as trade expanded, and the old feudal system of farming and land control became less relevant.

3. Social Changes

• Rise of the Middle Class: A new class of merchants and bankers, known as the bourgeoisie, gained wealth and influence, challenging the old feudal aristocracy.

• Increased Mobility: People had more opportunities to move up the social ladder and improve their status, reducing the rigid class divisions of feudalism.

Cultural and Religious Impact

• Renaissance and Reformation: The decline of feudalism helped foster the Renaissance (a cultural revival focusing on art and learning) and the Reformation (a movement challenging the Catholic Church), both of which reshaped European culture and religion.

What role do you think religion will play in Europe in the 15th century and beyond? How was that role established during Medieval times?

• Religious Wars and Alliances: The Reformation and subsequent Catholic Counter-Reformation led to a series of religious wars, including the Thirty Years' War. Religion became a major factor in political alliances and conflicts, shaping the political landscape of Europe.

• Feudal System and Church Authority

  • Church and Feudalism: The Church played a key role in the feudal system. It owned large tracts of land and received tithes (a form of taxation) from the populace. Bishops and abbots were important feudal lords, and the Church was a major player in local and regional politics.

• Central Authority of the Church

  • Papal Power: During the Medieval period, the Catholic Church was a dominant force in Europe. The Pope wielded significant authority, not just in spiritual matters but also in political and social realms. The Church's influence extended over kings and emperors, who often sought papal approval for their rule.

• Crusades: The Medieval period was marked by the Crusades, which were religiously motivated military campaigns aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land and defending Christendom. These campaigns reinforced the Church’s role in European society and politics.

Knowing what you now know about Medieval Europe, were the Dark Ages really that ‘dark’?

Yes they were very dark.

Black Death: The Black Death (1347-1351) was one of the deadliest pandemics in European history, killing an estimated one-third to one-half of Europe's population. The disease caused immense social and economic upheaval, as well as widespread fear and suffering.

Agricultural Hardships: The medieval period experienced several famines and crop failures, such as the Great Famine of 1315-1317, which led to widespread suffering and mortality due to food shortages.

Feudal System: The rigid social hierarchy of feudalism often limited social mobility. Serfs and peasants were bound to the land and had little opportunity for advancement, which could perpetuate poverty and inequality.

Hundred Years' War: The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between England and France caused extensive destruction and suffering, including battles, sieges, and the widespread disruption of civilian life.

Feudal Fragmentation: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Europe became politically fragmented into numerous small, feudal territories. This fragmentation often led to localized power struggles and conflicts. For example, in the Holy Roman Empire, local lords wielded significant power, often ignoring the authority of the emperor.

Grat Famine (1315-22)

Northern Europe saw price inflation on food, livestock, dairy products. Caused by sever weather- " Little Ice Age" with unusual amounts of storms. Because urban areas relied on cheap short tranportation poor harvest = scarcity and starvation.