Chapter 17 Western Europe
Thesis
While the popularity of monasticism grew and local power increased in the feudalistic manors, during
476-1100 C.E., Roman Christianity remained the most popular religion and the region continues to be
fragmented into regional kingdoms.
From 476 to 1100 C.E., Western Europe experienced a change in population, the development of
feudalism and the spread of Christianity. But decentralized authority and social stratification remained
constant.
In Western Europe, from 476-1100 C.E. there were massive changes and continuities social and
politically – not good not specific enough Although Roman Catholicism remained the prominent religion,
new languages were developed and Europeans found new ways to maintain stability by decentralization
and feudalism.
Feudalism Is NOT a continuity.
Changes:
The use of feudalistic system to organize communities increased considerably.
Due to the influence of powerful saints, such as St. Benedict, the popularity of Christian monastic
communities grew.
The population decreased from 36 million in 200 C.E. to 26 million in 600 C.E. However, by 1000 C.E.
the population returned to 36 million.
Feudalism developed as the primary system of political and social organization.
From 500-1000 C.E., Christianity spread as a result of efforts by monasteries, popes, such Gregory I, and
political leaders such as Clovis and Charlemagne.
Pope Gregory I reasserted papal primacy to deal with difficulties in church authority.
Continuities:
Roman Catholic Christianity remained popular despite numerous invasions by both German tribes and the
Islamic Empire.
Western Europe remained fragmented under the rule of several regional kingdoms despite efforts to unite
societies under one empire.
Political authority took the form of small regional kingdoms (B.S.) such as England, France and the Holy
Roman Empire and Western Europe remained politically fragmented throughout this period.
Social Stratification, including serfs who were bound to the land where they worked and hereditary noble
classes, was prominent throughout this time period.
Latin language continues to be the language of the Catholic Church and scholars in Western Europe.
Analysis:
Repeated invasions by Vikings prompted local lords to gather forces and build fortresses for defense.
This also fueled the manorialism because serfs agreed to labor in return for protection from attacks.
Constant invasions by Vikings could not be contained by the Carolingian rulers and it helped to bring it to
an end as the protection and political relied more on local and regional forces.
The dramatic population decrease was caused by Germanic invasions and epidemic diseases.
Christianity spread because monasteries provided various services and were important community centers
(B.S.) Pope Gregory I emphasized the sacrament of penance which increased the Church’s influence in
people’s lives, and Charlemagne conquered the Saxons in an effort to spread Christianity.
Global Context:
Battle of Tours stopped the spread of Islam? Global Context?
Feudalism, specifically the use of lords and retainers, developed in response to invasions by Vikings and
Magyars, as protection became a necessity.
During the early Middle Ages economic activity in western Europe was considerable slower than in India,
Southwest Asian and the Eastern Mediterranean due in part to the nomadic invasions that constantly
disrupted their economy.
Norsemen trade with the Abbasid Empire brought silver to Western Europe leading to the creation of
silver coins which made trade easier.
Nathan’s group
Thesis: