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Period: 500 to 900
Recovery period after Rome’s fall; Christian missionaries work in Northern Europe
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732
Franks defeat Muslims in France
One Carolingian (royal house of franks), Charles Martel took credit for defeating the Muslims during the battle of tours in 732. This victory was less about Carolingian strength, and more about Arab fatigue/exhaustion and an overextended invasion force. -
Period: 800 to 814
Charlemagne’s empire
Charlemagne’s empire was a significant empire in France and Germany. Charlemagne restored religious education in Western Europe, and the education of the people began to recover. He died in 814, and his empire was soon after split into 3 different portions for his three grandsons. -
1066
Norman conquest of England, strong feudal monarchy
The Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, invaded England in 1066. (He already had a strong domain in France, and then expanded it to his new kingdom). -
Period: 1096 to 1270
Crusades
The first crusade was in 1095 against the Muslim control of the holy land. “Appealed to Christians to mount military assault to free the Holy land from Muslims”. Western crusaders moved toward Jerusalem, and won it from Turkish armies. They then lost it to the muslim general, Saladin during the 12th century. The next several crusades were attempts to win back the holy land. -
Period: 1150 to 1300
Gothic style spreads
Gothic was an architectural style that was developed throughout the Middle Ages in Western Europe. Signature models included pointed arches and flying buttresses that were external supports on main walls. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta, or Great Charter was signed by King John of England in 1215. It “confirmed feuds rights against monarchical claims; represented principle of mutual limits and obligations between rulers and feudal aristocracy.” -
Period: 1338 to 1453
Hundred years’ War
Thee Hundred Years’ war was ongoing conflict between England and France. They fought over the lands that England controlled in France, as well as feudal rights versus the arising claims of national states. -
Period: 1348 to 1380
Black Death (bubonic plague)
The Black Death was a violent plague throughout Europe during the 14th century. It unfortunately reduced Europe’s population, and impacted the social structure for Europe. -
1469
Formation of Single Spanish Monarchy
Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile (Catholic monarchs), were married in 1469, which led to the unification of Spain. Thus creating the first monarchs.