whap: unit 1.6 - developments in Europe

Timeframe

1200-1450

Context

Eastern empire still existed for about 1000 years as the Byzantine empire

Europe

Culturally and politically fragmented; decentralized into tribal kingdoms fighting for dominance. In constant state of warfare

Feudalism

System of mutual obligations that exist between classes

European feudalism hierarchy

1. King

2. Lords

3.knights

4. Peasants (serfs)

The feudal period of time in Europe comes to be known as

The Dark Ages. Period when standard of living and intellectual life declines

1000-1450 is when

The sun begins to rise again. High Middle Ages

Significant rise in power of

Monarchies—kings/queens

Kings begin to consolidate

Centralized power, authority and land, political power

Power shifts away from _____ to the ____

1. Feudal lords

2. Monarchs (absolute power)

Methods kings used to consolidate people and power

Established huge bureaucracies to carry out their wills and plans and established massive armies and weaponry

Magna corta (by 1200s)

The signing of the document led to power between lord and king to be shared more. Gave some rights to nobles

Around the same time is the development of

The English parliament

Roman Catholic Church

One constant/continuity that ran through this time period. Was a unifying presence

Catholic Church had most of the intellectuals, educators and philosophers in order to

Ensure that the people don't question their authority

Catholic doctrine led to

Lack of artistry, creativity and expression

Power struggle develops between kings and the Catholic Church

Crusades

The Crusades (12th century)

The pope urged Christians to take back the holy city of Jerusalem from Muslims. Goes on for a long time with victories on both sides

If you join the crusades, you...

Automatically go to heaven

Effect of crusades

Shifted European allegiance from monarchy back to Catholic Church

Marco Polo (13th century)

Journeyed to and detailed his travels to China. Opened the eyes of Europeans to Asia "half a world away".

Effect of Marco Polo in Europe

Lead to innovation and desire for wealth Asia had

The rise of middle class

Bourgeoisie; shop keepers and small landowners

Small ice age

Decline in agricultural production. Leads to population decrease which leads to poor economy

The renaissance

Rebirth or reawakening. Roman/greek art, culture, and literature

Mona Lisa

Painting that showed more humanistic features, more details, more color

Fealty

Loyalty during feudalism

Spread of Black Death

Mongol empire catapulted dead bodies into city walls. Also spread by fleas from rats