THE MIDDLE AGES500-1500

How did we get here?

After the fall of the Roman Empire, threats of attacks ended almost all trade in Western Europe.

Cities were easy targets for attacks. People moved from the cities for safety and to grow their own food.

These conditions led to the growth of feudalism.

Attacks by pirates at sea and barbarians on land

People moved away from cities. Three- field System, Crusades, plague, plows, harness & use famine, & Decline in Trade Declined of horse instead of 100 Years War plague, oxen. More farming People must farm Decline in technology & for themselves more food, bigger population nations population stabilize. Literacy and Reason People must in law decline People available to farm. Trade become specialized increases workers. and cities grow. Trade and Towns Grow

Literacy I ncreases

Early Middle Ages (450- 1000)

The Roman Empire (29bc- 476ad)

High Middle Ages (1000- 3000)

The Renaissance (1500s)

Changes in Society

FEUDALISM POLITICAL system

of local government based on the granting of land in return for loyalty, military assistance, and other services.

In Medieval society a person born and died on the same piece of land and in the same social class.

King

Lord/Vassal

Knights

Peasants/Serfs

MANORIALISM Manorialism was the

ECONOMIC system that revolved around self-sufficient farming estates. There was little or no trade.

EVERYTHING was produced on the manor and used by the people who lived on it.

CHARLES THE GREAT--CHARLESMAGNE

Leader of the Kingdom of the Franks Created a huge empire Pope asked Charlemagne for help to drive

the barbarians out of Rome. Pope crowned him as emperor.

Helped to revive literacy and learning in Western Europe.

Empire declined after his death.

INVASIONS WEAKEN EUROPE…AGAIN.

Muslims from Africa invaded the Mediterranean Coast

Slavs invaded central Europe

The Vikings Invaded from 793-1000

came from Scandinavia—modern day Denmark,

Sweden, and Norway. Raided from Ireland to Russia Raids were swift—landed,

plundered, killed and left Great sea farers—1000

traveled to Newfoundland in Canada

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

MOST POWERFUL INSTITUTION IN THE MIDDLE AGES

Filled political and leadership positions

Gained vast amounts of land and wealth

The Pope in Rome held the greatest power.

Canon Law-Church Law and had the power to tax

THE CRUSADES

Causes

• 1. Pope wanted to increase his power

• 2. Many serfs wanted to gain freedom

• 3. Some thought it would clear themselves from sin.

GOAL• CHRISTIANS

WANTED TO REGAIN THE HOLY LAND FROM THE MUSLIMS

RESULTS

• 1. Legacy of hatred between Christians and Jews.

• 2. Increased trade between the East and Western Europe

• 3. Decreased power of the church

• 4. Italy became the center of trade

INCREASED TRADE IN ITALY

As Italy became the center of trade, they gained great wealth.

Eventually this would lead to spending in luxuries such as art, literature, and interest in classic

Greek and Roman ideals. THIS IS THE RENAISSANCE!!!

THE BLACK DEATH

1347-1351•From 1000-1300 Trade Improved and Towns Grew…BUT THEN…THE BLACK DEATH HITS!•Spread along trade routes by fleas•Killed 1/3 of Population in Europe•Results:

•Church lost power•Shortage of workers ended feudalism.

Changes in the Middle Ages

France: Created legislative branch—the Estates General. Fought 100 Year War with England.

England: Moves towards a limited

monarchy—Signing of the Magna Carta and creation of Parliament

English Common Law—decisions by royal courts became law

SPAIN 1479 united under

Ferdinand and Isabella Spanish Inquisition—

forced conversion of Jews and Muslims along with torture.

GERMANY Known as the Holy

Roman Empire Hapsburgs became

most powerful family in Europe