This is the first step as seen in many civilizations: farming technology advances to allow for both trade and
specialization in other fields. New technologies such as the horse-drawn plow and the three-field planting system allow
fewer people to produce the food necessary to support the entire population. Excess labor is then used for the production
of goods that may be traded and the economy develops. Nobles grant charters allowing the establishment of towns which
further promotes trade.
In France the similar developments of law and growth are evident in Louis IX’s expanded royal courts, and
pronouncement officially ending the feudal practice of serfdom. His strong centralized monarchy would pave the way for
Philip IV’s establishment of the Estates General in 1302. By then it is evident that Europe had seen much renewal and
growth since its Dark Ages.
The towns then grow in importance as commercialism undermines feudalism. Towns develop to replace the manor in
importance as guilds and the “Middle Class” become more powerful. The growth of the middle class will prove to be
very important to the renewal of Europe. As guilds and the middle class become more powerful new as ideas about
government and law develop throughout Europe.
It would take hundreds of years for stability to return to Europe. After the Dark Ages follwed a period called the
Middle Ages where Europe again got its “house” back in order. The Middle Ages can be characterized as a period of
renewal and growth in Europe affecting monarchies, economies, and ultimately representative government.
William of Normandy becomes known as “the Conqueror” taking control of England in 1066. While Hugh Capet,
originally viewed as weak by French nobles, is elected to the throne in 987. Over time each of these rulers established a
strong government. In both cases it was based on establishing hegemony, which refers to setting standards, and having a
stable tax base.
The Dark Ages that followed the fall of the Roman Empire was a period of instability and chaos. Gone was the strong
central government that held much of Europe together. Rome’s “fall” owed to numerous invasions and complex internal
problems that combined brought the collapse of Roman authority. The “house” built during the Rome’s dominance was
“trashed”.
Out of the chaos of the Dark Ages after the fall of the Roman Empire, feudal monarchs build the foundations for strong
national governments. With Church power clearly emanating from Rome it is furthest away from Church authority that
the greatest opportunities to establish hegemony existed. Accordingly, monarchs in England and France are the first to
increase their royal power.
Finally, the new ideas for representative government (and law) are what develop. Again it is in England and France
where unified kingdoms are first established that representative government is eventually realized. Representative
governments allow for the monarchy to share decision-making responsibilities with representatives of the greater
population. This would prove to be an evolution where gradually more and more power is shared.
The renewal and growth affecting monarchies, economies, and ultimately representative governments in Europe during
the Middle Ages characterizes the period.
While manors provided for stability and the basic needs of Europe’s population, the political, social, and economic
focus later shifts from the manor to the town. Due to new farming technologies and increased trade serfdom slowly
comes to an end as a “Middle Class” is created.
In England this evolution can be seen in contrasting William the Conquer’s Domesday Book for tax collection with
King John’s signing of the Magna Carta which established formal rights for nobles and the creation of the Great Council
with its power over raising taxes; importantly, this would pave the way for advances for commoners too.
Both were essential for Europe’s renewal after the Dark Ages, and promoted growth. Meanwhile, the stability
monarchs sought was supported by their vassals – the nobles beneath them, who each develop manors within their
fiefdoms so that they may also promote stability.
Harris:  6. High Middle Ages: Lesson Plan: [Demonstration Essay Scrambled], 2003, revised 2004.