European Middle Ages

European Middle AgesI. Clear Trends

A. 500-1000 = political decentralization and backwardness

B. Emerged out of ruins of Roman EmpireC. Similar to Japan and Africa in political developmentD. Impact of Vikings, Magyar & Muslim invasions

1. Disrupted development2. Protection was valued3. Gave rise to feudalism and the Manorial system

E. 1000-1300 = General revival in Europe1. More defined nations - France, England, Spain, Russia2. Stronger economy

a. Trade increases- Hanseatic League-

- Northern Germany and Scandinavia- Black Sea trade- Through central Europe

b. Pop. Increasesc. Revival of Cities!

3. Improved tech. & cultural knowledgea. Ag. Improvements b. Printing press

4. Intellectual Movementsa. Increased interest in learning from past &

present societiesb. Rise of universitiesc. Synthesis of faith and reason• Thomas Aquinas– high point of

scholasticism’ Summas• Sought to reconcile faith & reason

5. Emergence of concept = Europe as single civilizationa. Joined by common heritage and Christian rel.

II. Feudalism and Manor SystemA.Origins of feudalism

1. Inability to create centralized rule2. Need for protection and localized control3. Based on reciprocal economic obligations

B.Timeline of Feudalism1. 800 – feudalism expands to cover wider area2. 900 – Regional lords evolve into Feudal monarchs3. 1066 – William conquers England = feudalism +

central gov’t4. 1200 – origins of limited and rep. gov’t

III. Medieval ChurchA. Most stable institution of Middle Ages

1. Main source of intellectual activityB. Christian Orders Developed

1. Benedictines – monastic life2. Franciscans & Dominicans – called for return to

simplicity and poverty of early church.- Appalled by heresy within church

The Growth of European KingdomsI. Kings Gain Power during High Middle Ages

A. Increasing land through wars and marriageB. Extended power through greater wealth

1. Enabled monarchs to hire soldiers and officials2. Reduced dependence on vassals

II. England in the High Middle AgesA. 1066 – Norman conquest of England

establishes feudal monarchy in England.B.1215 – King John forced to sign Magna

Carta1. Limited king’s power

C. 1295 – 1st English Parliament1. Law beginning to be determined by king in

consultation with reps.

III. The Capetian Monarchs Build a French KingdomA. Capetian dynasty established in 987 –

No real power over most of France.B.King Philip II (1180-1223)gained power

and land from EnglandC. 1302 – Estates General (French Parliament)

was born1. Bringing together reps. From 3 estates or

classesa. Clergy = 1st Estateb. Nobles = 2nd Estatec. Townspeople = 3rd Estate

D. Feudal Monarchy in England vs. France1. 1066 Norman conquest of England

establishes a feudal monarchy in England much more rapidly than occurs in France.