The Rise of Europe

Chapter 7Page 212500-1300

Section 1The Early Middle Ages

• A. Western Europe in Decline• After collapse or Rome Western Europe

declined politically, socially, and economically • 500 to 1000 was known as dark ages• However, many aspects of Greco Roman,

Christian, and Germanic traditions blended• Called Middle Ages

B. Rise of Germanic Kingdoms

• Germanic tribes would conquer chunks of Roman Empire

• Eventually, Franks would become most powerful

• Clovis and other Germanic kings carved up Europe between 400 and 700

• Became Christians and continued many aspects of Roman culture

C. Muslims on the rise

• In Arabia in the 600’s• Began spreading through middle east,

Palestine, North Africa and into Spain• Charles Martel rallied Frankish warriors at

battle of Tours and defeated Muslims• However, Muslims would continue to be a

threat and make raids into Europe

D. Charlemagne

• Grandson of Charles Martel• Began united Europe under his control• Pope Leo III received his help so crowned him

Holy Roman Emperor • Upset Eastern Byzantine Empire • Appointed local rulers to rule regions • Set out to revive classical Latin learning• Missi domnici sent out to report back on

conditions of the empire

E. Charlemagne’s death

• Charlemagne helped establish the Christian church as dominant power in Europe

• His empire couldn’t withstand invasions from outsiders after his death– Muslims, Magyars, Vikings

• His sons split his empire into three

F. Vikings

• Seafaring people from Scandinavia• Late 700, raided much of Europe• Expert sailors• Set up a temporary settlement in Americas • Opened up trade routes

Section 2Feudalism and the Manor Economy

• A. Feudalism • Because of a lack of stable gov’ts and attacks

from outsiders, Feudalism would develop across Europe

• Feudalism- loosely organized system based on loyalty

• Vassals owe lords loyalty– Ex. Upper lord, lower lord, lower lord, – Knights owed loyalty to lords, serfs owed loyalty

• Feudal contracts?• Fief?

• More powerful lords held larger fiefs • Vassals could hold loyalty to several lords

B. Knights

• Many nobles became knights• Constant warfare, learned to fight at early age• Fought in tournaments to hone their skills• Defended the castle• Castle defenses???• Chivalry?• Troubadours

C. Serfs

• Manor was the lords estate• Worked by serfs- not slaves, but bound to the

land• Worked the land and paid taxes in exchange

for protection • Mutual obligations • Manors were usually self sufficient • Peasant Life??

Section 3The Medieval Church

• A. The Church Dominates Medieval Life– By late middle ages, Western Europe majority

Christian– Sacraments administered by priests- sacred rites

of Church– Bible only in Latin– People had to rely on church for salvation

B. Village Life

• Daily life centered on Christian Calendar– Easter, Christmas, holy days

• Eventually, cathedrals built across Europe in gothic Style- large, towering structures

• Many pilgrims encouraged to visit religious sites

• Priests were men, but women could enter the nunnery

C. Church Power Grows

• Church becomes most powerful institution in Europe

• Papal Supremacy- power of pope crossed political borders– Could end disputes– Excommunicate people who disobeyed– Interdict- excommunicate whole community

because of acts of leader– Assured them they were going to hell

D. Corruption and Reform

• Soon, Church became a wealthy institution• Priest stopped adhering to three rules-

poverty, chastity, and obedience• Abbot Berno set up Monastery to helping

monks and nuns combat corruption in church• Gregory VII pushed for more reform– Church alone appoints church officials – Priests can’t get married

• New Preaching order– Friars traveled around Europe preaching

• St. Francis of Assisi started first order of Friars• Dominic Order of Friars dedicated themselves

to teaching official church doctrine to combat heresies that differed from official church teachings

E. Jews in Medieval Europe

• At first, were allowed to practice their faith• However, began to face more and more

discrimination• Pretty soon, many fled to Eastern Europe to

avoid persecution.

Section 4Economic Recovery Sparks Change

• A. Agricultural revolution – 800’s, peasants began producing more crops– 1. Steel plow better for European soil– 2. 3 crop rotation?– More Food, Population can grow

B. Revival of Trade and Travel

• Feudal warfare and invasions decrease• People feel safer traveling• People want goods not produced in manor• Old trade routes revive– Byzantine to Florence to Flanders to the rest of

Europe• New Merchant class asked for charters-

established written rights and rules

C. Commercial Revolution

• Trade needs more money in circulation• Capital?• Merchants form partnerships. Why?

• Many people become tenant farmers and merchants instead of serfs

• Lords rather have tax money instead of labor

D. Rise of Middle Class

• Middle Class- • Guilds-– Apprentice– Journeymen– Master

• E. Town Life- many cities grew to over 10,000 people

• As cities couldn’t grow out, they went up