Overview of Europe's Developments (1200-1450)

Introduction

Roman Empire Influence: Christianity became the state religion under Emperor Constantine.
- Unified Romans under a single belief system.
Fall of Western Roman Empire (476 CE): Led to political decentralization.
Byzantine Empire: Continued the legacy of the Roman Empire with Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
- Centralized power structure.
- Fell in 1453 with the Ottoman Empire conquering Constantinople (renamed Istanbul).
- Eastern Orthodoxy adopted by Kievan Rus, incorporating Byzantine cultural elements.

Dominant in Western Europe despite political fragmentation.
Provided a unifying hierarchical structure (Popes, Bishops, Cardinals).
The Crusades: Religious wars against Muslims, notably failing except for the First Crusade.
- Led to greater connectivity with larger trade networks.

Islam and Judaism: Held minority positions.
- Muslims heavily present on the Iberian Peninsula since the 8th century.
- Jews involved in trade, faced marginalization and persecution across Europe.

System of allegiances between Lords and Monarchs.
- Land exchanges ensured loyalty.
Manorialism: Economic system where peasants (serfs) worked land for protection.
- Serfs bound to land, akin to slaves but not owned.

Shift towards centralization around 1200.
Monarchs began gaining power, reducing the nobility's influence.
- Developed large militaries and bureaucracies.
Consequences:
- Led to wars and competition among monarchs for power and territory.

European development during 1200-1450 marked by religious influences, political fragmentation, and eventual shifts towards centralization.
These changes shaped the socio-political landscape of Europe leading into the next periods.

For further study, consider reviewing the AP World Review Guide for comprehensive insights into these historical developments.