AP Euro Notes: Crises, Wars, Schism, and Exploration

Crises of the 13th and 14th Centuries

• Great Famine (13th Century)

  • Began around the 13th century (specifically around 1200).

  • Characterized by heavy storms and rain, leading to widespread crop failures and a severe lack of food.

  • Impact started primarily in the northern regions of Europe due to colder climates.

  • Population initially increased in the 1300s but then experienced a significant decline.

  • Population decline factors included less food, the Black Death (plague), and the onset of a mini Ice Age.

  • Led to widespread malnutrition.

• The Black Death (14th Century)

  • A devastating pandemic that killed an estimated 25-50\% of the European population.

  • The most common form was the bubonic plague.

  • Did not significantly affect Germany as much due to lower population density, distinct cultural practices, and generally colder temperatures.

  • Advances in medicine helped determine the cause of the plague.

  • The plague largely subsided by the 18th century (around 1700).

  • The period was marked by mass hysteria and significant economic changes.

  • The Church, particularly its higher hierarchy, maintained records during this era.

  • Connections can be drawn to other global pandemics such as the Spanish Flu and COVID-$19$.

Political Transformations and Conflicts

• Hundred Years' War (1337-1453)

  • A prolonged conflict primarily fought only in France.

  • Before this war, nobles had typically not been subject to taxation.

• Magna Carta (1215)

  • A foundational document that significantly limited the power of the English King.

  • It concurrently gave more power to Parliament.

  • Established principles akin to a limited constitution.

• War of the Roses (England)

  • A civil war between the Houses of York and Lancaster.

  • Led to the establishment of the Tudor line, which ruled from 1485 to 1603.

  • During this period, Britain was growing stronger.

• Political Alliances

  • European powers often formed alliances solely to engage in conflicts with one another.

Religious Authority and Reform

• The Great Schism (1378-1417)

  • A profound division within the Catholic Church, closely related to the Vatican and involving the papacy (the highest authority).

  • It was located in Italy (Rome) and France (Avignon).

  • Began with the crisis of the Avignon Papacy in 1378, when Clement VII was involved.

  • Initially, two individuals claimed to be the legitimate pope, leading to Europe being politically divided in its support of these popes.

  • This division severely weakened the Church's authority and led to widespread questioning of its hierarchy.

  • Attempts to resolve the crisis included wanting to elect a new pope, but the two incumbent popes refused to relinquish their positions, resulting in a period with three competing popes.

  • The mixing of religion and politics during this era highlighted its inherent dangers.

  • During the Hundred Years' War, the British often chose to support the Italian (Roman) pope over the French-backed counterpart.

• Martin Luther and Church Corruption

  • Indulgences: A primary issue was the sale of indulgences, where individuals could pay the Church for the remission of sins.

  • Ninety-five Theses: Martin Luther articulated his objections to this and other practices in his Ninety-five Theses.

  • His actions contributed to the widespread perception that the Church had become corrupt.

• Council of Constance (1414)

  • Convened with the aim of compelling the three rival popes to resign, effectively