1. Medieval Europe

2. Collapse of the roman empire
Invasions by Arabs and Vikings led to economic troubles.
Most of Europe would suffer economically, politically, and culturally for much of the Middle Ages.
Without Rome’s organization, Eastern Europe fell apart.
Unorganized
Uneducated
Poor
No centralized government, each area took care of itself

3. Roman Catholic Church Only organized institution at this time
Hierarchy
Pope
Arch Bishop
Bishop
Priest
People
Everyone followed church rules
Hersey – Speaking out against the church.
Excommunication – Being kicked out of the church.

4. Feudalism A social, political, and economic system
Organized system at a local level
Based on…
Ownership of land
Obligations between Lords and Vassals
Social – Everyone had a permanent class (Nobles, Merchants, Peasants)
Political – The Lord was the judge and jury (he was the government)
Economic – Everyone got something through feudalism. Each person gave and received goods.
Manoralism - all aspects of life were centered on the lord’s manor including peasant villages, a church, farm land, a mill, and the lord's castle or manor house.

5. Crusades
Holy Wars fought between Christians and Muslims over Holy Lands (Jerusalem)
Reasons why Church started the Crusades…
Wanted to take back Holy Lands
Got rid of quarrelsome knights
Merchants profited through loans, leasing, and trade
Reasons why people wanted to fight…
Assured a place in heaven by Pope
Wanted adventure
Escaped feudalism
Increased trade between Europe and Asia.
Pope and Church power lessened, Kings power grew.
Feudalism ended

6. The Black Death Also called the Black Plague and the Bubonic Plague
1/3 of the population of Europe died
Began in Asia
Plague was carried by fleas on rats that came to Europe on ships
Had a significant negative impact on trade and society in Europe
Production decreased and prices increased