The Middle Ages, Crusades, and Renaissance
Global History I: Spiconardi
Unit Introduction: In Western Europe, the Roman Empire fell apart into various kingdoms and the period known as
the “Dark Ages” began. Leaders such as Charlemagne tried to revive the idea of empire by using the one unifying force
in Europe, the Roman Catholic Church. Due to the lack of central authority, the Church took on a growing role in
politics, which caused a power struggle between kings and popes. The Church also inspired the building of great
cathedrals, shaped the development of European states, and controlled education through out the continent. The
Roman Catholic Church led the Crusades, which forever changed to face of Europe. While destructive and filled with
religious zeal, the Crusades resulted in an unbelievable amount of cultural diffusion. The cultural diffusion that resulted
from the Crusades led Europe out of a “Dark Ages.” Europe was reborn and the Renaissance brought about a revival
of Greek and Roman culture as well as a challenging of the Church’s authority.
Homework Assignments:
Reading List for World History: Continuity & Change
Topic
Pages
1. A New Civilization in Western Europe (Chap. 11)
2. Renaissance & Reformation (Chap. 14)
270-298
360-386
Due Date
April 23, 2014
April 29, 2014
Questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Chapter 11
Describe the impact monks and the monastic life had on Europe.
Describe the relationship between the Carolingians and the papacy.
Describe daily life for a peasant and noble on a medieval European manor. Compare their lifestyles.
During the early Middle Ages, European kings were weak but after the year 1000 kings began to
centralized power. How did kings attempt to increase their power & authority?
Chapter 14
1. How did changes in climate affect food production in Europe around 1300?
2. How did the Commercial Revolution compare to old economic thinking of Europeans?
3. Who was Niccolò Machiavelli? What were some of his important views and works? How did they
transform (change) politics?
4. Describe the differences between the Italian Renaissance artists and the Northern Renaissance artists.
Which style of art do you like better? Thoroughly explain your opinion.