EUROPEAN MIDDLE AGES

Chapter 13

SSWH7 The student will analyze European medieval society with regard to culture, politics, society, and economics.

a. Explain the manorial system and feudalism; include the status of peasants and feudal monarchies and the importance of Charlemagne.

b. Describe the political impact of Christianity; include Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV.

c. Explain the role of the church in medieval society.

d. Describe how increasing trade led to the growth of towns and cities.

Essential Questions

How did the introduction of new ideas, concepts, beliefs lead to political, economic, and social changes?

How did conflict within and/or between societies bring about change/s?

How did the role of church and government change during this period?

How did those changes impact a country’s social structure?  

Main ideas The Roman Empire broke into small

kingdoms. During the Middle Ages, Charlemagne and Otto the Great tried to revive the empire. Both allied themselves with the church.

Weak rulers and the decline of central authority led to a feudal system where local lords with large estates assumed power. This lead to trouble with the church.

Timeline 511 Clovis unites the Franks under the

Christian rule 732 Charles Martel stops Muslim invasion 800 Pope Leo III crowns the Frankish king

Charlemagne emperor 843 Treaty of Verdun divided Charlemagne’s

empire 900’s Outside invasions spur growth of

feudalism 962 Otto the Great becomes emperor

Germanic kingdoms unite under Charlemagne

Invasions of Western Europe Disruption of Trade

Merchants faced invasions – businesses collapses – break down Europe’s cities as economic centers

Downfall of CitiesCities abandoned as centers of administration

Population ShiftsRoman centers of trade/government collapseNobles retreat to the country (with city dwellers)

Decline of LearningGermanic invaders were illiterateOnly church officials could read

Loss of a Common LanguageLatin changes – new dialects emerge

Concept of Government changesBorders shift with constant warsLoyalties lie with local lordsGermans stress personal ties

Clovis Rules the Franks Gaul:

Franks hold powerBrings Christianity to the Franks at urging

Clothilde (converts just before battle)Clovis unites the Franks and forms an alliance

with the Church of Rome Germans adopt Christianity:

Religious communities (monasteries) were created to continue to spread Christianity in the country

Run by monks and nuns

Roman Empire and Franks

Clovis’ Reign Enlarges Frankish Empire

Clovis

St Benedict and Scholastica

Set up monasteries and a strict set of rules for monasteries

Became a model for other monasteriesBest educated communitiesThe Venerable Bede: wrote a history of

EnglandPapal Power Expands under Gregory I:

○ Broadened the powers of the pope○ Secular – worldly power in politics○ Idea of a churchly kingdom

The Empire Emerges

Charles Martel (the Hammer)Major domo- mayor of the palaceCharged with running the royal households

and estatesLed armies and made policiesExtended the Frank’s reign over EuropeDefeated Moors in Spain Battle of ToursPassed kingdom to Pepin the Short

Thus begins the Carolingian Dynasty (751-987)

Charles Martel

Charlemagne Becomes Emperor

Son of Pepin the Short (6’4”)Empire built greater than RomeSpread Christianity with untied Western

EuropePope Leo III crowned him “Roman Emperor”

Signaled the joining of Germanic power,

the church and the heritage of the Roman Empire

Charlemagne

Emperor Charlemagne

Charlemagne’s RevivalLimited the power of the noblesRoyal agents sent out to make sure

Landholders (counts) rule justlyEncouraged learning – opened a palace school

Ordered monasteries to open schoolsCrowns Louis the Pious as heir843 – Treaty of Verdun Divided the kingdom into 3 kingdoms

Result: Carolingian Dynasty broke down

Feudalism arises

Treaty of Verdun

10th and 11 Century Invasions