Crash Course European History: The Middle Ages

Introduction

• Medieval Europe has a terrible reputation.
• Common perceptions: disease, famine, early marriages, knights and chivalry.
• Misconceptions exist about daily life and drinking habits (beer vs. water).

The Black Death

• Bubonic Plague spread from Asia to Europe, originating in Tibet.
• Rats, mice, and fleas facilitated the spread due to human travel.
• Bubonic plague effects: swollen lymph nodes, high fevers, blood vomiting, gangrene.
• Mortality rates: 50-60% of infected individuals.
• The Black Death caused over 25 million deaths in Asia before reaching Europe.
• In Europe, around 50% of the population died; some areas saw up to 80% mortality.
• Giovanni Boccaccio's account of the devastation highlights the tragedy.

Hundred Years War

• Fought between England and France over control of parts of Europe (1337-1453).
• Question of whether war causes instability or vice versa.
• War exacerbated famine and disease, challenging cultural beliefs like chivalry.
• Chivalric code declined as mercenaries began to fight for profit.
• Innovations in warfare: longbow and cannons (Chinese invention).
• Joan of Arc's rise and fall; significant role in rallying French forces.
  • Captured and executed by the English in 1431.

Religious Turmoil and the Great Schism

• Papal authority questioned in political conflicts (Pope Boniface VIII vs. King Philip IV).
• Boniface's excommunication threat led to his kidnapping and death in 1303.
• The Avignon Papacy: French Pope installation led to perceptions of corruption.
• The Great Schism (1378): two competing popes led to church disunity.
• Spiritual direction began to come from common people, such as Catherine of Siena.
• Martin V was elected in 1417, ending the schism.

Decline of Feudalism

• Black Death and wars reduced population, empowering serfs to demand freedom.
• Peasants Revolt of 1381 in England; urban artisan revolts in Florence (Ciompi).
• Shift in warfare motivation: fame and career over ethical/religious reasons.
• Changes in societal perspectives: proverbs reflect a zero-sum view of life.

The Renaissance

• Amidst turmoil, new thinking and creativity emerged.
• The Great Renaissance Cathedral of Florence completed during this period.
• Transition to the Renaissance discussed as a significant cultural shift.

Conclusion

• Next episode will focus on the Renaissance in Florence.
• Acknowledgements to production teams, patrons, and the importance of support for educational content.