-The Middle Ages(5th – 15th century)
After the collapse of Rome, there was a lack of strong
central government in Western Europe.
Characteristics of the Early Middle Ages
1. Disruption of trade
2. A decline in learning
3. Loss of a common language
4. A general lack of progress
Urban centers disappeared as people moved to rural settings.
Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe during
the Middle Ages.
Feudalism
A lack of strong leaders led to a new
system of government and land
holding, know as feudalism.
One of the reasons behind the
development of feudalism was to
provide protection from three groups
of invaders.
1. Vikings
2. Magyars
3. Muslims
Political characteristics of feudalism included:
Decentralized governments
A system of local government based on the control of land
and mutual obligations.
Kings granted land to their nobles in
return for their pledge of loyalty and
military support.
The land kings gave to nobles was
called a fief.
Local lords made their own laws and
controlled their own armies.
Social characteristics of feudalism included:
The division of society into a rigid class system.
Class was determined by birth and there was little social mobility.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Importance of the Church during the Middle Ages included:
1. Keeping birth, marriage, and death records.
2. Regulating kings’ power through canon law.
3. The Church was the largest land holder
in Western Europe.
4. Citizens paid the Church a tithe,
which is a 10% income tax.
5. The preservation of learning and education.
6. Establishing the first universities in Europe.
The High Middle Ages
The development of towns led to the establishment of an
influential middle class including merchants and artisans.
The growth of towns and cities shifted power from local
lords to kings.
This period saw a revival of learning, including works by
Dante and Chaucer.