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Christianity became a significant source of social services such as schooling and medical care. Later, it influenced culture, art, philosophy, and politics. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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.