history notes v2

. Clovis and the Franks

• Clovis developed the Franks into one of the strongest Germanic tribes in Europe.

• Baptized in 481 A.D. and integrated Christianity into Frankish customs.

II. Germanic Tribes at the Fall of Rome

• Tribes: Celts, Jutes, Thuringians, Vandals, and Avars.

• Lacked cities and written laws; ruled by unwritten customs and elected kings.

III. Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire

• Charles the Great (747-814 A.D.), reigned for 46 years.

• Grandson of Charles Martel.

• Crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Leo III in 800 A.D.

• Expanded the Frankish kingdom across present-day Spain, Germany, and Italy.

• The Carolingian Renaissance emphasized art, education, and preservation of Greco-Roman culture.

• Introduced lowercase letters to Latin.

• Established the Missi Domenici to maintain order and justice.

IV. Battle of Tours (732 A.D.)

• Conflict between the Franks (Charles Martel) and Islamic Moors (Abdul Rahman Al Ghafiqi).

• Frankish victory despite being outnumbered.

• Martel strategically neutralized the Islamic cavalry, stopping the Islamic advance into Europe.

V. Break-up of Charlemagne's Empire

Reasons for the Decline:

• Lack of an effective tax system.

• Poor communication made law enforcement difficult.

• The German tradition of dividing land among sons.

• Attacks from Vikings, Magyars, and Muslims.

Treaty of Verdun (843 A.D.):

• Divided the empire into three parts:

  • Western Frankish Kingdom (France)

  • Eastern Frankish Kingdom (Germany)

  • Lotharingia (Lothar II)

VI. Feudalism Overview

• Loosely organized system where powerful lords divided land among vassals.

• A fief was an estate given to a vassal from a lord.

• Lords often held more power than kings.

Give & Take of Feudalism

Lords' Responsibilities:

• Protect vassals and serfs.

• Provide a court system.

Vassals' Agreements:

• Provide military service.

• Pay taxes.

• Give shelter, entertainment, and food.

VII. Manorial System

• Agricultural economy based on self-sufficient estates (manors).

• Serfs worked the land but were not slaves.

• Typical medieval manor included fields, a village, and a lord’s estate.

VIII. Knights and Chivalry

• Knights were mounted warriors trained from childhood.

• Progression: Page → Squire → Knight.

• Participated in tournaments when warfare declined.

• Followed a strict Code of Chivalry.

IX. The Christian Church After the Fall of Rome

• Division into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic.

• Became the most powerful secular force in Western Europe.

• The Pope ruled the Papal States in central Italy.

X. Agricultural Revolution

• New farming technologies:

  • Windmills

  • Heavy iron plows

  • Harnesses

  • Three-field system

• Increased food production, leading to a population doubling between 1000 and 1300.

XI. Revival in Trade

• Increased population created demand for goods unavailable on manors.

• Merchants traveled across Europe, selling goods at trade fairs.

• Regular trade routes were established.

• Peasants exchanged goods and produce for crafts and luxury items.

• Noblemen and clergy bought silk, sugar, and fine woolens.

XII. Development of Medieval Towns

• Merchants wintered near castles or bishops' palaces, leading to town formation.

• Charters established town rights and privileges.

• Towns lacked sanitation and were crowded and unsightly.

XIII. Commercial Revolution

• Money use reemerged as lords needed it for fine goods.

• Serfs sold excess farm products and began paying rent.

• Banking services developed.

• A middle class of traders, artisans, and merchants arose.

XIV. Guilds in Medieval Towns

• Merchant and craft associations controlled trade and regulations.

• Passed laws, levied taxes, and regulated workers in specific trades.

Apprentice System:

• Apprentice (7-8 years old): Paid with bed and board.

• Journeyman (after ~7 years): Some pay but no master status.

• Master Craftsman: Only a few reached this level.

XV. Time Periods of the Middle Ages

1. Early Middle Ages (476-1000 A.D.)

2. High Middle Ages (1000-1250 A.D.)

3. Late Middle Ages (1250-1450 A.D.)