Developments in EUROPE 1200-1450 [AP World History Review] Unit 1, Topic 6

Summary

This script explores Europe's transition from the Dark Ages to the High Middle Ages (1200-1450), highlighting the feudal system, the rise of monarchs, and the power shifts between the nobility and the church. It discusses the establishment of universities, the influence of the Catholic Church on art and education, the Crusades, and the emergence of the middle class. The script also touches on the economic and social changes, including the Little Ice Age and the Renaissance, which marked a rebirth of Greek and Roman culture.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Western Roman Empire fell in 476, leading to the Byzantine Empire in the East and the emergence of small, feudalistic tribal kingdoms in Europe.
• 👑 Feudalism characterized the political and social structure of Europe between 476 and 1000, with a hierarchy of kings, lords, knights, and serfs.
• 📜 The Dark Ages, from 476 to 1000, were marked by a decline in trade, living standards, and intellectual life in Europe.
• 🌅 The High Middle Ages, from 1000 to 1450, saw a resurgence with the rise of monarchs who consolidated power through bureaucracies and standing armies.
• 🤝 The Magna Carta in 1215 and the establishment of the English parliament in 1265 shifted power back towards the noble class and guaranteed their rights.
• 🏛 The Roman Catholic Church played a significant role, establishing universities and influencing art and education during this period.
• 🗡 The Crusades, starting in the 12th century, were religious wars initiated by the Church to reclaim Jerusalem and strengthen its influence.
• 🌏 Marco Polo's travels to China in the late 13th century sparked European interest in the East, leading to advancements in mapmaking and exploration.
• 💼 The emergence of the bourgeoisie, or middle class, included merchants and small landowners who were economically significant but not as wealthy as the nobles.
• ❄️ A mini Ice Age during this period caused a decline in agricultural productivity, population, trade, and economic conditions.
• 🎨 The Renaissance, post-1300, marked a cultural rebirth focusing on ancient Greek and Roman culture, resulting in masterpieces in art, literature, and philosophy.

Q & A

What was the political and social organization of Europe between 476 and 1000 AD?

Europe was politically and socially organized into small tribal kingdoms during this period, which was characterized by constant battles for dominance. This system was known as feudalism.

What are the four social layers in the feudal system described in the script?

The four social layers in the feudal system were the king at the top, followed by the lords, then the knights, and at the bottom were the peasantry or serfs.

How did the serfs' lives differ from those of slaves, as mentioned in the script?

While serfs were not considered slaves in the modern sense, they were not free either. Their lives were tied to the land they worked, and they required the lord's permission for major life decisions such as marriage and travel.

What is the significance of the term 'High Middle Ages' in the context of the script?

The term 'High Middle Ages' refers to the period between 1000 and 1450, which saw a revival in Europe with improvements in trade, standard of living, and intellectual life, contrasting with the previous 'Dark Ages'.

How did kings consolidate power during the High Middle Ages according to the script?

Kings consolidated power by establishing large bureaucracies to carry out their will and by conscripting massive standing armies, both of which were directly answerable to the king.

What role did the Magna Carta play in the shift of power during the 13th century?

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, facilitated the transfer of power back towards the noble class by officially guaranteeing rights to the nobles, such as the right to a jury trial and the right to own and inherit property.

How did the establishment of the English parliament in 1265 affect the balance of power?

The establishment of the English parliament in 1265 further shifted power into the hands of the nobles, as it was a body that represented their interests.

What was the role of the Roman Catholic Church during the High Middle Ages?

The Roman Catholic Church played a significant role by establishing the first universities in Europe, influencing the arts with Christian themes, and providing a cultural and ideological unity across Europe.

How did the Crusades impact the allegiance of people between the church and the state?

The Crusades, starting in the 12th century, shifted people's allegiance back towards the church and away from the monarchs, as the pope and bishops urged Christians to reclaim Jerusalem and promised easier access to heaven for those who participated.

What economic and social changes occurred in Europe during the late 13th century as described in the script?

In the late 13th century, economic and social changes included the emergence of the middle class or bourgeoisie, innovations in mapmaking and cartography following Marco Polo's travels, and a temporary 'Little Ice Age' that led to decreased agricultural productivity and a declining population.

What does the term 'Renaissance' signify in the context of the script?

The term 'Renaissance' signifies a period of 'rebirth' after 1300, where there was a revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture, art, and literature, leading to the creation of some of the world's most magnificent pieces of art.