-
400
The Start Of The Middle ages
The decline of the roman empire
Invasion of the barbarian; barbarian kingdoms are now setting up throughout Europe -
Jan 1, 1300
End Of The Middle Ages
members of the upper class increased their Wealth-dramatically
Bubonic Plague ("Black Death") - spread throughout Europe by fleas that fed on the blood of rodents
Killed an estimated 25 - 50% of the population between 1347-1351 -
Jan 1, 1300
Classes During This Time
Feudalism - a contract between the European upper classes
a Lord (large landowner) would grant land to a man in return for military service (knights)
Manorialism - the economic, social, and administrative system that dominated Europe
Peasants farmed the Lord's land
Peasants gave money, crops, and services as payment to the lord
Peasants and Lords status was inherited -
Jan 1, 1500
Reformation
Was a 16th century (1500's) religious revolution which ended the supremacy of the Catholic Church in Europe
Background:
the Catholic Church held lots of power and influence
owned between 1/5 and 1/3 of all European lands
paid no taxes to· feudal lords, kings
the only religious authority in Europe
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
born a peasant
was highly educated
entered a Catholic monastery to become a Priest
He began to criticize the Church with the publishing of his "95 Theses": 3 important criticis -
Jan 1, 1500
Absolutism
Monarchies were at the height of their power
Ruled by "divine right" - rule had been granted to them by God
1500's Balance of Power (equality in power) - acts as a deterrent to war because there is too much risk
Louis XIV of France
ruled from 1643 -1715 (72 years)
known as the "sun king"
at one time he declared "I am the state"
believed that the nation and the people lived to serve him
personified royal pride, elegance, and lUXUry
Gradual centralization of the social, economic, and political str -
The Renaissance
"rebirth" of Europe
Europe's first major step into the modern age
Noted for an explosion of intellectual and artistic energy that had not been seen since Roman times
It allowed for individualism in thought and belief
Major effects:
expansion of trade
expanded industry - textiles, metals, ships were all required by merchants
emergence of banking
money was more standardized
bankers gave loans, invested, identified worth of coin
business class grew in importance
towns grew in size (ex. Venice, Flor -
The Middle Of The Middle Ages
Christianity began to dominate
Crusades - Christian Europe began to fight against its foes
"Soldiers of Christ" set out to capture the "Holy Land" from Muslims
