Western Civ 750 CE – 1400 CE

Middle Ages

Period: 750 to 1400

Charlemagne

767

Although Charlemagne constantly waged war, he had many allies and was perceived as generous, for he would give gifts to allies and tend to the poor. Charlemagne was also a very religious leader who was devoted to the church and Christianity. He was responsible for numerous accomplishments, such as bringing together Western Europe. Renowned for his educational and calligraphic reforms, he reintroduced the Roman tradition of bigger, separate letters, unlike the previous conjoined cursive letters.

Monasticism

799

Monks and nuns would choose to join monasteries and convents and leave their previous lives. They'd make vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Different from preists, they would devote themselves to activities and prayer. Monasteries and convents would profit from the work of monks and nuns. Some of their work included overseeing agriculture on monastery land, copying manuscripts of books, and producing beer and wine.

Feudal System

800

During early medieval times, the feudal system was based on violence and revolved around honor and retribution. Any insult or minor conflict could start an entire civil war. The system pressured lords to constantly be involved in conflict and raids, and it stayed true to exchange fiefs for services and labor.

The Vikings

850

Invaders, like the Vikings, presented various problems for western and eastern Europe. Often, they were motivated by greed, but they also had other motivations such as overpopulation, expansion, the need for a better, and geographical location. Vikings were efficient and ruthless, and their raids were quick and destructive. Overall, the Vikings seem to be driven by greed, as they loved silver and treasures. They saw mainland Europe as an opportunity to gain masses of wealth.

Agricultre and Peasants 600 - 1300 CE

900

Before becoming a cash economy, Europe was a barter economy. As for peasants, their goods were often taken by lords and kings. Meaning peasants produced only enough to survive so a surplus of goods would not draw attention to those in power. Eventually, Europe began to mint coins, which meant peasants had a motive to produce more. With advanced agricultural practices such as crop rotation, an increase in animal power, and carrucas, peasants produced more, creating various opportunities.

Crusadees

1096

The Crusadees were the first armed Christian pilgrimage that consisted of knights, minor lords, or those seeking to free themselves from sin. Not to mention, they militarized the western Catholic Church and conquered vast territories. As time progressed, the Crusaders faced increasingly powerful armies and became more brutal in their tactics. For instance, the fourth Crusade deviated from sailing to the Holy Land and instead resorted to violence, justifying it as the "Lord's vengeance."

The Dark Ages 1000 CE - 1400 CE

1100

The Dark Ages is dated at the beginning of the Renaissance and when Rome fell. Although the Dark Ages are recalled for economical and cultural decline, educational standards, instutions, and schlarship all increased and varied, especially in the upper classes.

Education System - Scholasticism

1100

Cathedral schools revolved around scholasticism. A teacher would give verses and their source all from the Bible, while the students would attempt to think of the meaning, and they would occasionally debate their interpretations. Also, these schools would teach philosophy, music, math, language and grammar, logic, etc.

Battle of Crecy (1346 CE) & Battle of Agincourt (1415 CE)

1346

In 1415 CE, the English emerged victorious in the Battle of Agincourt by employing longbows, a weapon that proved effective against the skilled French knights, despite being outnumbered. The longbows enabled the English peasants to overcome their adversaries from a distance. The same can be seen during the Battle of Crecy in 1346, as the longbow played a crucial role for the English, rendering them seemingly invincible from afar. Their enemies were simply unable to reach them.

The Black Death

1346

Medieval society's population was greatly reduced, as hundreds of millions of people contracted the disease and most died from it. Cities with quick-acting governments (emplementing quarenties) predominated and, as a result, were stronger than those who did not. During the plague, many relied on unique medical preventions and cures or on their religion.

Joan of Arch - EXTRA (passed 1400 whoops)

1429

Joan of Arc was an illiterate peasant who became a heroine for all the French people; she was a marter and defendor of the French nation. Joan said she was directed by God to fight for the French, and she was even known for praying on horseback whilst in battle. With God on their side, the French felt invisible, and their morale was higher than ever. Nearly ten years after her execution, in 1453, the French forces finally ended the English threat.

Test Question - What leaders and events of the Middle Ages made kings and popes powerful?

100,000

The ones who held control appeared to be the ones who held power; each worked hand in hand. The Catholic church, popes, Charlegnmae, and the Vikings all acquired power by controlling either the militia, education, or government. Referring to the test question, popes wielded spiritual power and kings held political power, which were favored differently by citizens. The power struggle was perplexing and would tend to intertwine.