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Period: 1250 to 1500
Late Middle Ages
Period of Decline following the High Middle Ages, leading to the Renaissance. -
Period: 1265 to 1308
Dun Scotus (2)
Category 2: Intellectual development
One of many intellectuals who began to openly disagree with the Thomistic Synthesis. Argued that reason is unable to prove the existence of a soul or God. Marked a move to more analytical and critical thought in Europe. -
Period: 1285 to 1349
William of Okham (2)
Category 2: Intellectual Development
Argued that some aspects of faith could not be proved by logic, and that it was neither possible, helpful, or necessary to apply reason to faith. Also is known for Okham's Razor, "All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one." -
Period: 1294 to 1304
Popes Boniface VIII and Benedict XI (1)
Category 1: Political Development
Boniface's attempt to exert Papal Supremacy over French King failed (1303) triggering a dispute between Boniface and the French king ending in Boniface's death in captivity. Benedict attempted reconciliation with French, but was seen as puppet of France, further weakening Papal strength in Europe. Begins period of Avignon popes, where popes live in France rather than Rome. -
Period: 1300 to 1400
Lack of available Silver (4)
Category 4: Environmental Events
Lack of available silver in Europe caused nobility to debase currency, causing inflation to skyrocket. This harmed all classes, making food hard to come by for commoners, and luxury goods more expensive for the upper classes. -
Period: 1301 to 1327
Mini-Ice Age (4)
Category 4: Environmental Events
A brief but significant drop in European temperatures drastically reduced crop yields leading to widespread famine and starvation. Relative well-being of nobility during the crisis began fueling resentment in lower classes that would be exacerbated by the coming Plague. -
Period: 1337 to 1453
Hundred Year's War (3)
Category 3: Military Conflict
Due to a succession crisis in France, King Edward III of England claims French throne. This triggers a war that is fought with varying degrees of intensity for approximately a century. Ultimately ending in French Victory. -
1346
Battle of Crecy (3)
Category 3: Military Conflict
Relatively early battle in the 100 Year's war. French have numerical advantage, but English discipline and longbow superiority give victory to them. -
Period: 1346 to 1353
Black Death (4)
Category 4: Environmental Events
The Bubonic Plague arrived from Mongolia in the 1340's and killed 25% of the total European population over the course of several years. Caused economic melt down, famine, and significant chaos. Jews were frequently blames, self imposed forms of penance such as flagellation were used to drive it off. Increased Class tensions and caused first major peasant revolts, signalling decline of aristocratic power. -
1356
Battle of Poitiers (3)
Category 3: Military Conflict
Similar to battle of Crecy, French outnumber English, but Longbows and discipline hand the day to the English. -
Period: 1369 to 1415
Jan Hus (2)
Category 2: Intellectual Development
Preached similarly to Wycliffe, although was unaware of Wycliffe and worked Bohemia. Also helped lay groundwork for Reformation, specifically making the region of Bohemia more open to future religious dissent. Was betrayed by Church authorities and burned alive after being promised safe passage. -
Period: 1370 to 1384
John Wycliffe (2)
Category 2: Intellectual Development
John Wycliffe preached personal relationships with God, denounced wealthy clergy, and translated Bible into English. Was forerunner of the coming Reformation, and his Bible would be a source used in the creation of the King James Bible. Relented his beliefs under pressure, but many followers were burned alive. -
1377
Pope Returns to Rome (1)
Category 1: Political Development
Pope Gregory XI returns to Rome from Avignon, signalling partial return to Papacy independent from French control. -
1378
Urban VI elected (1)
Category 1: Political Development
Pope Urban VI elected in Rome, shortly followed by flight of Cardinals to Avignon to elect a different pope arguing Urban VI was unfit to be pope. -
1378
Election of Antipope Clement VII (1)
Category 1: Political Development
As a response to the volatile and erratic behavior of Pope Urban VI, the College of Cardinals elected a Pope Clement VII in Avignon, claiming him the real pope. This severely weakened both the reputation and strength of the church, setting groundwork for the dissent that would grow into the Reformation. -
1415
Battle of Agincourt (3)
Category 3: Military Conflict
English claimed another decisive victory, securing a treaty from the French king assuring English succession of the French throne on his death. English appeared to have won. -
1429
Liberation of Orleans (3)
Category 3: Military Conflict
French victory led by Joan of Arc. Recaptured city of Orleans, led to revival of French morale, and re-invigoration of war. -
1453
End of 100 Year's War (1)
Category 1: Political Development
End of war drove English out of all of France except Calais. Outcomes of war left the French countryside devastated, but the monarchy empowered. French pride and centralization was increased by the war. England likewise left the war as a more unified nation, having developed the beginnings of active parliament.
