Heimler's History: Europe 1200-1450

Background

• Western Roman Empire fell in 476.
• Byzantine Empire continued for 1000 years.
• Europe was fractured into small tribal kingdoms (476-1000).
• Political and social structure: Feudalism.

Feudalism

• Definition: System of mutual obligations between classes.
• Social Layers:
  • King: Granted land to Lords for service and tribute.
  • Lords: Managed land, contracted Knights.
  • Knights: Protected land, went to war.
  • Peasants (Serfs): Worked the land, not free, needed Lord's permission to marry or travel.

Dark Ages to High Middle Ages

• Dark Ages: Trade, standard of living, and intellectual life declined.
• High Middle Ages (1000-1450): Rise of monarchs, shift of power from feudal lords.

Rise of Monarchs

• Consolidation of land and power.
• Establishment of large bureaucracies and standing armies.
• Shift of power back to nobles:
  • Magna Carta (1215): Rights to nobles like jury trials, property rights.
  • English Parliament (1265): Represented noble interests.

Role of the Catholic Church

• Universities: Church established first universities.
• Art and Education: Heavy Christian themes in art, visual education for illiterate peasants.
• Church vs. State Power Struggle:
  • Crusades: Reclaiming Jerusalem shifted allegiance back to the Church.

Economic and Social Changes

• Marco Polo: Travels to China, inspired European imagination, innovation in mapmaking.
• Emergence of Middle Class (Bourgeoisie): Shopkeepers, merchants, small landowners.
• Little Ice Age: Decreased agricultural productivity, population decline, reduced trade.

Renaissance (Post-1300)

• Rebirth of Ancient Culture: Greek, Roman culture, art, literature.
• Notable Works: Dante's Divine Comedy, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Conclusion

• Overview of European developments from 1200-1450 for AP World History.