CHAPTERS 17 & 20

Western Europe During the Middle Ages

Characteristics of the Middle Ages (500-1500 C.E.)

Rome has fallen in the west. Early Medieval Europe was politically unstable and characterized by decentralization.

European people began a process of economic

recovery based on agriculture.

The Catholic Church provides religious leadership.

Germanic Political Control in Western Europe

I. Germanic Political Control

A. The Franks establish control in Western Europe. 1. Clovis rules 481-511, and establishes himself as

a political and military leader.

Germanic Successor States

B. Carolingians take over 1. Charlemagne establishes

centralized rule a. creates capital city b. regulated counts through the use of

officers known as ‘missi dominici’C. Made alliance with the western Christian

Church 1. Crowned emperor by Pope Leo III

D. Magyars bring end to Carolingian rule – local

rulers assume control

II. Economics of Western EuropeA. The Manorial System -The decentralized

political system fosters complex relationships between

lords,retainers, and serfs.

1. Economic foundation based on agriculture. a. technology supports agriculture

2. Rural society allowed for sustainability, but did

not support cities or trade.

III. Western Europe and ChristianityA. Germanic groups were pagan upon

invasions. 1. polytheism until adoption of

Christianity 2. By 1000 C.E. Christianity has taken

root throughout Western EuropeB. The Papacy and Roman Catholicism

1. Pope Gregory I (590-604) a. defended Rome, asserted papal

primacy, encouraged penance, and led

missions

III. Western Europe ReligiouslyC. Monasticism 1. Origins in Egypt 2. Monastic lifestyle supported by

economic conditions in Western Europe.

III. Western Europe ReligiouslyC. Monasticism 1. Origins in Egypt 2. Monastic lifestyle supported by

economic conditions in Western Europe.D. Monastic Order 1. St Benedict - Created the Rule to

organize the monastic movement 2. St. Scholastica –adapted the Rule to

apply to women in convents

Ch.20 Western Europe The High Middle Ages

Increased Political StabilityThe emergence of regional states stabilizes W. Europe

The Relationship between Religious & Secular leaders

Symbiotic RelationshipOtto I of Saxony & Pope John XII962 C.E. - crowning of the Holy Roman Emperor

Adversarial RelationshipEmperor Henry IV & Pope Gregory VIIThe practice of lay investiture in the Holy

Roman Empire

Western Europe—Religion

EducationCathedral SchoolsUniversities

ParisBologna, PaduaOxford,

CambridgeRe-emergence of

Greek PhilosophyAristotleScholasticism

Religion continued….

Popular PietyA. Sacraments: holy rituals

1. Eucharist: Wine & Bread of Christ2. Devotion to Saints

a. Most Popular: Virgin Maryb. Canonization: Sainthood(100

miracles)

Dominicans & Franciscans

Domincans & FranciscansA. No personal possessionsB. Return to the Catholic ChurchC. Begged for Food

Heresy = acts, teachings against the Church

Agriculture – The Foundation of Economic RecoveryThe Growth of Agriculture

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Economic Growth

Agricultural EconomyA. As invasions population pressure B. Technology improves

1. Crop rotations2. domestic animals3. Manure4. Fish Hatcheries5. Books on agricultural methods6. Plows7. Horseshoe & Horse Collar

Economic Growth

Independence of Cities power & opportunity

for merchant & working classGuilds

power & opportunity for women

UrbanizationCities

A. Paris, London, ToledoB. Textile production

1. Wool clothes (Niche)C. Market Fairs

1. Dominant in Italy (Ports)a. Olive oil, salt, wine, wool,

glass, etc.1. Hanseatic League

(Association of trading cities in the Baltic & North Sea)D. Credit & Banking

Western Europe—Social Changes

The Three Estates First - Those who Pray Second - Those who fight Third - Those who work

Chivalry: is a desire and willingness to perform spiritual, often ascetic rituals

Troubadours: traveling poets