Middle English Period| Important Historical Events and Works| #middleenglishperiod #english

Summary

Riya's channel dives into the Middle English period, spanning 1066 to 1558, divided into Pre-Chaucer, Age of Chaucer, and Revival periods. The script covers the Norman Conquest's impact on English, the Crusades' influence on cultural development, and the establishment of Oxford and Cambridge universities. It highlights major literary works like the Arthurian legend and Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales.' The Revival period is marked by the rediscovery of classical literature, significant historical events like the War of the Roses, the Protestant Reformation, and the advent of the printing press, setting the stage for future exploration and change.

Takeaways

• 🕰️ The Middle English period spans from 1066 to 1558, divided into the Pre-Chaucerian period (1066-1300), the Age of Chaucer (1300-1450), and the Revival period (1450-1550).
• 🏰 The Norman Conquest in 1066 marked the beginning of the Middle English period, with the Normans, from Normandy, led by William the Conqueror, defeating King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings.
• 🗣️ French became the language of the government and the nobility after the Norman Conquest, pushing Old English into the background and leading to significant French influence on the English language.
• 📚 The Crusades were major events during the Pre-Chaucerian period, leading to cultural development in England and the establishment of universities like Oxford and Cambridge in the 12th century.
• 🏛️ London emerged as the cultural hub of England during the Middle English period, with the Arthurian legend becoming a popular theme for romances and literature.
• 📖 Geoffrey Chaucer was the defining literary figure of the Age of Chaucer, with his most notable work being 'The Canterbury Tales,' which gained English language importance.
• ⚔️ The Hundred Years' War between England and France (1337-1453) and the Black Death, which wiped out a third of Europe's population, were significant historical events of the Age of Chaucer.
• 🌱 The Revival period saw a resurgence of interest in classical Roman and Greek literature, influencing English literature and thought.
• 🌹 The War of the Roses and the Protestant Reformation were key historical events of the Revival period, with Henry VIII's establishment of the Anglican Church marking a significant religious and political shift.
• 📜 The invention of the printing press by William Caxton in 1458 revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and literature, making texts more accessible.
• 🌐 The period also witnessed the beginning of voyages of exploration, with the discovery of America in 1453, opening up new horizons for trade and cultural exchange.

Q & A

What is the time span of the Middle English period?

The Middle English period spans from the year 1066 to 1558.

How is the Middle English period divided for discussion purposes?

The Middle English period is divided into three sections: the Pre-Chaucerian period (1066 to 1300), the Age of Chaucer (1300 to 1450), and the Revival period (1450 to 1550).

Who were the Normans and what significant event did they initiate?

The Normans were people from the small duchy of Normandy who, under the leadership of William the Conqueror, invaded England in 1066, leading to the Norman Conquest.

What was the impact of the Norman Conquest on the English language?

After the Norman Conquest, French became the language of the government, and Old English receded into the background, losing its importance. Old English was influenced by French, with many French words entering the English language, leading to the emergence of Middle English.

What were the Crusades and how did they affect England's cultural development?

The Crusades were religious wars fought between Muslims and Christians over control of Jerusalem. English people participated in these wars, and through the encounters with Greek and Roman classical texts, the cultural development in England was accelerated.

What role did the establishment of Oxford and Cambridge universities play during the Middle English period?

The establishment of Oxford and Cambridge universities during the 12th century helped spread classical learning among the common people and took the education system out of the hands of the clergy.

What is the significance of the Arthurian legend in Middle English literature?

The Arthurian legend, based on the legendary King Arthur of Britain and his 12 knights, inspired many romances and was very popular among the people during the Middle English period.

Who was Geoffrey Chaucer and what is his major work?

Geoffrey Chaucer was the major literary figure of the Age of Chaucer. His major work is 'The Canterbury Tales,' a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims on a journey.

What were the major historical events during the Age of Chaucer?

Major historical events during the Age of Chaucer include the Hundred Years' War between England and France (1337 to 1453), the Black Death, and the Peasants' Revolt in 1381.

What is the significance of the printing press in the Revival period?

The invention of the printing press by William Caxton in 1458 marked a significant advancement in the dissemination of knowledge and literature, contributing to the revival of old classical Roman and Greek literature.

What was the War of the Roses and its impact on England?

The War of the Roses was a rivalry between the House of Lancaster and the House of York for the throne of England. It was a major historical event during the Revival period and had significant political implications.

What was the Protestant Reformation and its connection to Henry VIII?

The Protestant Reformation was a major religious movement that led to the creation of Protestant churches separate from the Roman Catholic Church. In England, Henry VIII initiated the English Reformation by establishing the Church of England, after the Pope refused to grant him a divorce from Catherine of Aragon.