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100
The Rise of Christianity
Christianity became a significant source of social services such as schooling and medical care. Later, it influenced culture, art, philosophy, and politics. -
476
The Fall of the Roman Empire
The end of the Roman Empire released Europe from the tight control of a single force. Royal monopolies formed, providing stability and peace but limiting experimentation and protest. -
793
The Vikings
The Vikings played a key role in the trade networks of the medieval period. Their long journeys at sea helped to connect the East and the West. The Vikings' impact on trade and economy was significant in many ways, including the introduction of new commodities to different areas. -
800
The Carolingian Renaissance
The Carolingian Renaissance marked a cultural renewal during the reign of Charlemagne. It restored learning, preserved classical literature, and standardized Latin. This period saw the development of new scripts, the support of arts and architecture, and the institution of schools. -
1095
The Crusades
The Crusades were a series of wars started as a result of religious motivation. These wars caused many deaths, but also changed power dynamics and encouraged learning and trade. -
1301
The Renaissance
As the population became wealthier, it led to more trade and travel as well as the spread of new thoughts and ideas. The increased prosperity also fostered an interest in education, promoted scientific discoveries and new inventions, and supported the arts. -
1337
The Hundred Years' War
The Hundred Years' War shattered feudal nobility, leading to the formation of a new social order. Ending England's status as a power, the war also caused England to begin building its naval power and expanding to new lands across the oceans. -
1346
The Black Death
As increasingly more people became sick and died, people cut themselves off from the rest of the world in the hope of avoiding the plague. As the dead began to pile up, people stopped working, and various services and aspects of life, including funerals, nearly stopped. -
1440
The Printing Press
The printing press helped to reshape society by allowing ideas and information to spread quickly and increasing literacy. This allowed people to begin forming their own opinions on society and government. -
1492
The Age of Exploration
This era saw vast amounts of exploitation, enslavment, and military conquest of native populations. However, it also experienced growing economic influence and expansion of Western and European culture, technology, and science. -
Thesis Statement
The social aspects of Western Civilization clearly display both continuity and change over time. Various events, including religious movements, military actions, cultural shifts, and technological advancements, have all regularly influenced Western Civilization's development and impact.