Causes and Effects of Medieval Wars (750-1500) IB

Political Conflicts

Fights over land and power between lords and vassals

Religious Conflicts

Crusades tasked with taking back their Holy Land from Muslim rule

Economic Conflicts

Who should control trade routes and resources

Outside Threats

Threat of Mongol invasions 

The Norman Conquest (1066)

Duke of Normandy (William) invaded England killing King Harold II (Battle of Hastings, October 14, 1066)

The Crusades (1096- 1291)

Multiple religious wars promoted by the Latin Church

The Hundred Year’s War (1337- 1453)

King Charles IV died and there was no rightful heir to the throne

Reconquista (8th century-1492)

A Muslim conquest that began in 711 AD (Invasion of the Iberian Peninsula)

Mongol Invasions of Europe (13th century)

Genghis Khan had the goal of expanding his empire into Asia and Europe

Religious Leaders

Pope and clergy’s influence promoted/ motivated wars

Charlemagne (742-814)

Laid the foundation for the Holy Roman Empire

William the Conqueror (1028-1087)

Contributed to the intertwining of Norman and English culture

Saladin (1137- 1193)

Defended Muslim territories against Richard the Lionheart

Richard the Lionheart (1412-1431)

Called “Lionheart” because of his courage

Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

Claimed to have visions from saints telling her to support Charles VII to free France from England

Genghis Khan (1162-1227)

United Mongol tribes under his leadership (1206)

The Siege of Jerusalem (1099)

Crusaders wanted to capture Jerusalem

The Battle of Agincourt (1415)

Cause the Hundred Year’s War between England and France

The Fall of Constantinople (1453)

Byzantine Empire weakened and Ottoman expansion increased in territories

Diplomatic Relations

Treaties were made between kingdoms and city-states to strengthen their militaries and economies