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Medieval Society Evolves
Feudal European society developed culturally, economically, and politically.
Increasing urbanization and trade led to more wealth and social mobility.
War and Revolt: The Decline of Feudalism
Warfare and its consequences undermined the foundations of feudal
society.
The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) saw the decline of knightly warfare
as gunpowder and professional armies emerged.
Peasant revolts, such as the Jacquerie (1358, France) and Wat Tyler’s
Rebellion (1381, England), reflected growing dissatisfaction with feudal
obligations.
The Black Death (1347-1353 and Beyond)
The Bubonic Plague wiped out 30-50% of Europe’s population, leading to
severe labor shortages and economic shifts.
Serfdom weakened as laborers demanded higher wages and greater
freedoms.
Some turned to flagellant movements (self-punishment for divine mercy),
while others blamed marginalized groups, leading to persecution.
Schism and Religious Upheaval
The Avignon Papacy (1309-1377): The Pope moved to Avignon under
French influence, weakening the Church’s authority.
The Western Schism (1378-1417): Rival popes claimed legitimacy, further
damaging the Church’s credibility.
Growing dissatisfaction led to the rise of heretical movements (e.g., John
Wycliffe in England, Jan Hus in Bohemia), foreshadowing the Reformation.
Key Aspects of Humanism:
Classical Revival – Rediscovery of Greek and Roman texts.
Secular Learning – Focus on history, rhetoric, and ethics beyond religion.
Civic Humanism – Education for virtuous leadership and state service.
Individualism – Emphasis on personal achievement and expression.
Impact on the Renaissance:
Literature & Philosophy – Writers like Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Erasmus
promoted moral philosophy and human dignity.
Art & Architecture – Masters like da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael
applied realism, perspective, and classical themes.
Politics – Thinkers like Machiavelli argued for pragmatic governance.
Science & Technology – The printing press, anatomical studies, and
heliocentric theory advanced rational inquiry.
The Revival of Knowledge and Education
Scholars compiled lost sources, including from the Islamic world, which
had preserved and expanded upon Greek philosophy.
Aristotelian logic remained dominant, but Renaissance thinkers sought
broader intellectual horizons.
Political Theory and “Civic Humanism”
Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527): Applied humanist ideas to politics.
His work The Prince (1513) argued that rulers should be pragmatic and
ruthless in securing power.
Laid the foundations for modern political science and diplomacy.
