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.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 The Feudal System and the High Middle Ages in Europe

This paragraph delves into the political and social structure of medieval Europe, focusing on the transition from the Roman Empire to the Byzantine Empire and the subsequent feudalism. It outlines the four main social layers: the king, lords, knights, and peasants (serfs), explaining the mutual obligations that defined their relationships. The Dark Ages are characterized by a decline in trade, living standards, and intellectual life, but the High Middle Ages (1000-1450) mark a resurgence with the rise of monarchs who consolidate power through bureaucracies and standing armies. The Magna Carta and the establishment of the English parliament represent a shift of power back towards the noble class. The Roman Catholic Church's role in education, art, and the Crusades is also highlighted, showing its influence on culture and the power struggle with the state.

05:02

🌏 Economic and Cultural Shifts in the Late Middle Ages

The second paragraph summarizes the economic and cultural changes during the late Middle Ages in Europe. Marco Polo's travels to China and his influential account sparked European interest in the East, leading to advancements in mapmaking and cartography. The emergence of the middle class, or bourgeoisie, is noted as a significant development, consisting of shopkeepers, merchants, and small landowners. The paragraph also touches on the challenges faced during a mini Ice Age, which caused a decline in agricultural productivity, population, trade, and economic conditions. However, the paragraph concludes on a positive note, mentioning the Renaissance, a period of rebirth for ancient Greek and Roman culture, art, and literature, which produced some of the world's most renowned artistic achievements.

Keywords

💡Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, continued the Roman Empire's legacy in the east after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476. It is significant in the video's theme as it represents the continuity of Roman influence and culture during the period of fragmentation in Europe. The script mentions the Byzantine Empire to provide historical context for the political and cultural landscape of Europe between 1200-1450.

💡Feudalism

Feudalism is a socio-political system characterized by a hierarchy of reciprocal obligations among different social classes. In the video, feudalism is defined as the dominant system in medieval Europe, with the king at the top granting land to lords, who in turn contracted knights for protection, and at the bottom were the serfs or peasants who worked the land. This system is central to understanding the social structure and political organization of Europe during the period discussed.

💡Serfdom

Serfdom refers to the condition of peasants who were bound to the land they worked and were under the authority of a lord. Although not technically slaves, serfs had limited freedoms and were required to seek permission from their lords for major life decisions. The concept of serfdom is integral to the video's narrative as it illustrates the social constraints and the power dynamics within the feudal system.

💡Dark Ages

The term 'Dark Ages' is historically used, though controversial, to describe the period of cultural and intellectual decline in Europe following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. In the video, this term is used to characterize the years between 476 and 1000, where there was a decline in trade, living standards, and intellectual life, setting the stage for the subsequent High Middle Ages.

💡High Middle Ages

The High Middle Ages, spanning from approximately 1000 to 1450, marks a period of cultural and economic revival in Europe. The video highlights this era as a time when monarchs rose to power, consolidating land and establishing bureaucracies and standing armies, which shifted political power away from feudal lords and towards centralized kingdoms.

💡Magna Carta

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, was a significant legal document that limited the powers of the English monarch and established certain legal rights for the nobility and free citizens. In the video, the Magna Carta is presented as a pivotal moment that facilitated the transfer of power back towards the noble class, influencing the political landscape of the time.

💡English Parliament

The establishment of the English Parliament in 1265 is noted in the video as another key event that shifted power into the hands of the nobles. It represented a body that stood for the interests of the noble class, further illustrating the evolving balance of power during the High Middle Ages.

💡Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church is portrayed in the video as a constant and influential force during the period, establishing the first universities in Europe and shaping the cultural and intellectual life of the time. The Church's role in education, art, and the Crusades is emphasized, showing its impact on both the spiritual and secular aspects of society.

💡Crusades

The Crusades were a series of religious wars initiated by the Catholic Church to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. The video describes the Crusades as a response to the growing power of monarchs and a means to rally people's allegiance back to the Church. This historical event is used to illustrate the power struggle between religious and political authorities.

💡Marco Polo

Marco Polo, an Italian merchant and explorer, is mentioned in the video for his travels to China and his influential account of the journey, which sparked European interest in the East. His experiences and writings are highlighted as catalysts for economic and social change, including innovations in mapmaking and the opening of new trade routes.

💡Bourgeoisie

The bourgeoisie, or middle class, emerged during the High Middle Ages as a new economic class consisting of merchants, shopkeepers, and small landowners. In the video, this class is described as a significant social development, distinct from the nobility and peasantry, and indicative of the changing economic landscape of the time.

💡Renaissance

The Renaissance, meaning 'rebirth,' is a period of cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival in Europe after the Middle Ages. The video emphasizes this era as a time when ancient Greek and Roman culture, art, and literature were rediscovered and celebrated, leading to the creation of some of the world's most renowned artistic masterpieces.

Highlights

The Byzantine Empire continued the Roman legacy in the east for 1000 years after the fall of the western Roman Empire in 476.

Feudalism characterized Europe between 476 and 1000, with a system of mutual obligations between social classes.

Four social layers existed: kings, lords, knights, and peasants, with serfs tied to the land.

The Dark Ages saw a decline in trade, living standards, and intellectual life in Europe.

The High Middle Ages, from 1000 to 1450, marked a resurgence with the rise of monarchs and a shift in political power.

Kings consolidated power through large bureaucracies and standing armies directly under their command.

Power shifted back to the noble class in the 13th century, facilitated by the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

The establishment of the English parliament in 1265 represented the interests of the noble class.

The Roman Catholic Church was a constant presence, establishing the first universities and influencing art and education.

A power struggle between the church and state emerged with the rise of stronger monarchs.

The Crusades, starting in the 12th century, aimed to reclaim Jerusalem and shifted allegiance towards the church.

Economic and social changes included the emergence of the middle class, or bourgeoisie, and innovations in mapmaking and cartography.

Marco Polo's travels to China opened European imagination to the wealth of the East.

A mini Ice Age led to decreased agricultural productivity, population decline, and economic downturn.

The Renaissance, meaning 'rebirth,' brought a revival of ancient Greek and Roman culture, art, and literature.

Masterpieces like Dante's Divine Comedy and the Sistine Chapel ceiling were created during the Renaissance.

Transcripts

Hi and welcome back to Heimler’s History.

In these last few videos we’ve been flying around the world and seeing what’s been

going on between the years 1200-1450.

Today we get to Europe.

Let’s get it.

So let’s reach back a little bit.

The western half of the Roman empire fell in 476 but the empire continued in the east

for another 1000 years by the name of the Byzantine Empire.

And between 476 and 1000 Europe, culturally and politically, was basically fractured into

small tribal kingdoms who were constantly at battle for dominance.

If you had to give a word to how this continent was organized politically and socially, I

think we could call it feudalism.

Feudalism is a system of mutual obligations that exists between classes.

What do you mean, Heimler?

Well let me splain it up.

There were essentially four social layers in society.

On top, there was a king and the king granted land to the next level down, the Lords, in

exchange for their service and tribute.

The Lords contracted the folks in the next level down, Knights, to protect their land

and in some cases go to war.

And bottom of all is the peasantry.

These folks work the land of the Lords in exchange for providing the Lords with the

produce of the land.

The peasants were called serfs, and while they weren’t slaves in the sense that we

think of today, they were certainly not free.

Their lives were tied to the land.

And since they were under the authority of the Lord, they had to have the Lord’s permission

to marry and to travel.

And if a serf had a baby, then they added a new serf to the family.

These years used to be known as the Dark Ages because in Europe trade declined, people’s

standard of living declined, intellectual life declined.

But from about 1000-1450, the sun started to rise again and this is what is known as

the High Middle Ages.

One of the major changes occurring during this period was the rise of monarchs.

Kings were able to consolidate more land and power during this time and political power

shifted away from the feudal lords.

And the way kings consolidated power successfully is two-fold.

First, they established large bureaucracies who carried out their will.

Second, they conscripted massive standing armies.

Both of these entities were directly answerable to the king.

Therefore: power.

But by the 13th century power began shifting back towards the noble class yet again.

This transfer of power was facilitated by the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

Led by the noble class, the Magna Carta officially guaranteed rights to the nobles like the right

to a jury trial and the right of all free citizens to own and inherit property.

And a few years later in 1265 power further shifted into the hands of the nobles with

the establishment of the English parliament, which was a body that represented the interests

of the noble class.

Now in the middle of all this change, one significant constant was the persistence of

the Roman Catholic Church.

During this time the Catholic church established the first universities in Europe.

And therefore, most philosophers and thinkers and educators were religious men in those

days.

Artists also were beholden to the church.

Much of the art produced during this time was heavy with Christian themes.

And they did this to provide a visual education to the illiterate peasantry who couldn’t

read about the good news of Jesus Christ for themselves.

Now with the rise of these stronger monarchs, there came something of a power struggle between

the church and the state.

While small regional kingdoms were the norm, the Catholic Church was pretty settled in

its position of providing cultural and ideological unity across Europe.

But then these more powerful kinds started to threaten that cultural hold.

One response to this was the Crusades.

Starting in the 12th century the pope and bishops urged Christians to take up their

swords and reclaim Jerusalem from the infidel Muslims.

And if they did, getting into heaven is gonna be pretty easy.

So go stab a couple of infidels in the face and you’ve basically earned your forgiveness.

Well whatever other effects this had, it surely shifted people’s allegiance back toward

the church and away from the monarchs.

Okay, let’s talk about economic and social change that happened during this time.

In the late 13th century an Italian by the name of Marco Polo left his home to explore

and found himself all the way in China at the court of Kublai Khan.

Polo wrote an account of his travels and it sold like crazy in Europe.

And it opened Europeans’ imagination to the exotic culture and wealth of the far East.

And this led to innovations in mapmaking and cartography so it would be easier to get back

there.

Back in normal life, a new economic class started to emerge: the middle class, or what

is known as the bourgeoisie.

These were people who were not as rich as the nobles and not as poor as the peasants.

They included shopkeepers, merchants, and small landowners.

Also, not to be forgotten, there was a little Ice Age during this time.

For a few years temperatures steadily fell which led to a sharp decrease in agricultural

productivity.

Decreased agricultural productivity led to a declining population.

And a declining population led to less trade.

And less trade led to sinking economic conditions.

So that’s rough, but don’t worry, they got out of it.

And after 1300 Europeans experienced the bright optimism of the Renaissance.

The word means “rebirth.”

So something new wasn’t being introduced, something old was being reborn.

What was it?

The ancient Greek and Roman culture, and art, and literature.

During this time some of our world’s most magnificent pieces of art were created like

Dante’s Divine Comedy, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel,

and on and on and on.

And that is not even close to everything that was going on in Europe from 1200-1450, but

that’s enough of an overview for your AP World History exam.

See you in the next one.