Medieval Europe: Crash Course European History #1

Summary

This script from Crash Course European History explores the complex and often grim realities of medieval Europe, addressing misconceptions and delving into significant events like the Black Death, the Hundred Years War, and the Great Schism. It discusses the societal impacts of these crises, including changes in warfare, the decline of feudalism, and the rise of the Renaissance, while highlighting figures like Joan of Arc and the influence of the Ottomans on the fall of the Byzantine Empire.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Medieval Europe had a reputation for disease, early marriages, and violence, but some of these perceptions are exaggerated or misunderstood.
• 🍺 People in medieval times did drink beer and ale for their nutritional value, but they also consumed milk, other beverages, and safe drinking water from wells.
• 😷 The Black Death was a devastating pandemic of Bubonic Plague that originated in Asia and spread to Europe, killing an estimated 50% of the population.
• 🗡️ The Hundred Years War was a prolonged conflict between England and France, marked by shifts in warfare tactics and the decline of chivalry.
• 🏹 The longbow and cannons, innovations in weaponry, changed the nature of war and contributed to significant battles like the Battle of Agincourt.
• 🔥 Joan of Arc's rise and fall during the Hundred Years War illustrated the power of individual leadership and the tragic consequences of political conflict.
• 🛡️ Chivalry was a code of conduct for knights, but the realities of war and the use of mercenaries led to its decline.
• ⚔️ The Great Schism in the Catholic Church exposed divisions and weakened the Church's authority, leading to a crisis of faith and spiritual leadership.
• 🏛️ The fall of the Byzantine Empire to the Ottomans marked the end of the Roman Empire and a significant shift in religious and political power in Europe.
• 👥 The decline of feudalism and the rise of serfdom and urban artisans' rights reflected the changing social and economic landscape of Europe.
• 🎨 Amidst the turmoil, the Renaissance began, with artists, philosophers, and architects contributing to a cultural rebirth in Europe.

Q & A

What is the general reputation of medieval Europe according to the script?

Medieval Europe is often portrayed as a time of disease, famine, early marriages, and violence, with knights acting with chivalry but also slaughtering without restraint. It is also associated with unsafe drinking water, leading to the consumption of beer as a safer alternative.

What were some of the significant events that occurred in the 14th and 15th centuries in Europe?

The Black Death, the Great Schism in the Catholic Church, the Hundred Years War, and the onset of the Little Ice Age were significant events that greatly impacted Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries.

What was the Black Death and how did it spread to Europe?

The Black Death was a pandemic of Bubonic Plague, which is believed to have originated in Tibet and spread to Europe from Asia, carried by rats, mice, and fleas that traveled with humans.

What are the symptoms and fatality rate of Bubonic Plague?

Symptoms of Bubonic Plague include swollen and sometimes burst lymph nodes, high fevers, vomiting blood, and necrosis leading to blackened extremities and facial features. The disease had a fatality rate of between 50 and 60 percent of those infected.

How did the Hundred Years War affect the stability of Europe?

The Hundred Years War added sustained turmoil and destruction to Europe, exacerbating issues like poor harvests and disease outbreaks, and contributing to instability in the food supply and cultural beliefs.

What was the impact of the use of mercenaries in the Hundred Years War?

The use of mercenaries led to a decline in chivalrous behavior on the battlefield, as these soldiers often looted and plundered without restraint, even during truces and peace treaties.

Who was Joan of Arc and what was her role in the Hundred Years War?

Joan of Arc was a French peasant who, guided by visions, led French forces to victory against the English, enabling Charles VII to be crowned king. However, she was later captured by the Burgundians and executed by the English.

What was the Great Schism and how did it affect the Catholic Church?

The Great Schism was a period of division within the Catholic Church, where two and later three popes claimed the papacy, undermining the Church's authority and spiritual leadership.

How did the events of the 14th and 15th centuries contribute to the decline of feudalism in Europe?

The Black Death, warfare, and a decrease in population led to a shift in power dynamics, with serfs demanding freedom and urban artisans seeking higher pay and an end to oppressive taxes, contributing to the decline of feudalism.

What was the significance of the fall of Constantinople in 1453?

The fall of Constantinople marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the Roman Empire, with Islam replacing Christianity as the leading religion in the city, and altering trade routes and power structures in Europe.

What were some of the proverbs that reflected the life and mindset of people during the 14th and 15th centuries in Europe?

Proverbs such as 'There's nothing more certain than death,' 'The big fishes eat the smaller,' and 'Men are good so long as it saves their skin' illustrated the harsh realities and survivalist attitudes of the time.