By Joseph Enge

1. By Joseph Enge

2. I. The period in history between the breakup of the Roman Empire (approx. 500 AD) and the Renaissance (approx. 1400 AD) has become known as The Middle Ages, The Medieval Period, and The Dark Ages in Europe, especially Western Europe.

3. A. In place of the government and order the Roman Empire had provided, a new system called feudalism came about.

4. B. The Christian Church provided the only unifying force, during the Middle Ages, for Europe. It provided government services where no non-religious government existed. And, of course, it bound believers together.

5. II. Under feudalism, ruling power was held by lords who owned the land. A. Vassals were granted land by a lord, called a fief, according to a contract. 1. serfs were slaves (to a land parcel.) 2. villeins were free but did not own land, rented it instead.

7. B. Manors were estates (areas of land) with a lord's manor house (castle) and demesne (lord's barns, stables, etc.) at the center. Lords often had help:

8. 1. stewards were legal advisers who reviewed accounts and held court. • 2. bailiffs supervised peasants (serfs) and farm work, collected rents, dues, and fines. • 3. reeves helped bailiffs, but also reported peasant complaints (about manor officials) to the lord.

9. C. Marriages were usually "arranged" and a dowry was expected.

10. D. Feudal manor houses (castles) usually had big stone towers, called keeps, to provide safety during an attack. 1. High walls with walkways near the top and moats that could be crossed only by using the drawbridge also protected the manor house. 2. The castles themselves, however, were filthy, dark, and cold.

12. III. The Christian Church crossed feudal boundary lines.

13. A. European Christians believed only the Church could give eternal salvation through the seven sacraments. • B. But also, the Church handled many government services; it was powerful.

14. C. Heresy (holding religious beliefs contrary to established church doctrine) was punishable by excommunication (out of the church, no sacraments, no salvation) or burned at the stake. • D. Pope Innocent III declared himself above any other (human) ruler around 1200 and said the word of the Church was final.

15. E. The Church had become rich through tithes, gifts, and feudal inheritance.

16. F. Between 1095 and 1291 the Crusades were fought to regain the Holy Land (Jerusalem, etc.) for the Christians.

17. IV. Toward the end of the Middle Ages towns and cities redeveloped.

18. A. Trade over large areas increased. • 1. Money replaced barter. • 2. Interest was charged on loans. • 3. Credit made trade travel safer.

19. B. Overcrowding in towns brought problems. • 1. Poor sanitation brought plagues, such as bubonic plague (black death). • 2. Also, a new middle class of businessmen emerged; they formed guilds.

20. V. Finally, united countries formed, headed by strong monarchies.

21. A. Merchants (with money) wanted safety between towns and cities.

22. B. England, France, and Spain formed between 1450 and 1600. • C. Germany and Italy did not unite until the 1800's.