Download Notes Rise of Europe

Part 3-1 “The Rise of Europe”
World History “The Modern Era” pp. 16 & 17
After the fall of Rome, the Germanic tribes who inhabited most of the area, had no cities or
writing, and were basically separate warrior communities. The King of each group was basically
in charge of leading the community into battle. Which cause Europe to be fragmented and
isolated and backwards from the rest of the world.
The Early Middle Ages
Europe was carved into small kingdoms during the time from 400-700 Merovingian Rulers
after the first Meroveg. Circa 800 Charles the great came to power and united the kingdoms into
the Carolignian Empire. Charlemagne’s empire stretched across France, Germany, and part of
Italy. He brought about education reform, one religion [Christianity], and a strong central
government. Missi Dominici where Charlemagne’s eyes and ears, they were messengers of the
court.
After Charlemagnes death his sons failure as King his grandsons split his kingdom into 3
parts. None would help each other as invaders such as the Vikings the Muslims and the
Magyars invaded. With weak rulers the people turned to Feudalism.
Feudalism and the Manor Economy
Feudalism-Kings, Lords, Serfs, & Service. Medieval form of Government based on giving
land to Nobles or Lords, in turn for military service and loyalty. Lesser lords are called Vassals,
and the land they are granted and rule is called a fief vassals were to provide military service,
knights, food, ransom, contributions, and serve in their lords court.
Constant battles between nobles meant that each fief needed soldiers to protect it, most came
in the form of knights, or mounted soldiers. A code of Chivalry or conduct for a knight, which
included being brave in battle, fighting fairly, keeping promises, the duty to protect the
CHURCH, and treat noble women with courtesy. With war always a possibility nobles homes
became castles that could withstand siege.
The manor system was that each fief or manor had what it needed for survival, land, water,
forests, a church, a mill, grainers, bakers and so on. Most importantly they had serfs!! Slaves to
the land, they could not be sold apart from the land, but could not leave either. Trade with other
manors was impossible, life was the manor.
The Medieval Church
After Rome fell the Christian church broke the Western church became the Roman Catholic
Church and the Eastern became the Eastern Orthodox Church. As the middle ages went on the
church became more secular or worldly. The pope ruled over land like a king, the Papal States,
royalty were appointed to church office, and eventually the Pope claimed authority over all
Christian rulers in Europe.
For the members of the church, which was everyone the rules were simple. All were sinners
and going to Hell unless they believed in Christ and participated in the sacraments. Only priests
could interpret the bible and most people in the Middle Ages did not question what the church
did because they could not read and did not know any better. The Church had a huge impact on
society, as they were society, thus the leaders of the church slowly became corrupt.
Economic Expansion and Change
Developments in Agriculture lead to economic revival. A heavier plow and crop rotation
allowed for growing more crops. With extra food trade began to take place thus increased
individuals wealth. A middle class was starting to develop. Artisans formed guilds or
associations of professions. By 1300 Western Europe’s social life was changing.