The End of Traditional Society

Europe in 1555

Medieval Religion (800—1300) The Christian Church was the center of everything. People lived according to their beliefs of the Church. The Church’s head was the Pope. Holy Roman Emperor In 800 AD, the Pope crowned a German King Holy Roman Emperor to protect the Church from outside religions. His name was Charlemagne (742—814) or Charles the Great.

Medieval Religion (800—1300) Charlemagne believed his coronation meant that he would be equal to the Pope’s authority. secular clerical Thus, there would be two rulers that people could follow—a secular (of the state) or clerical (of the church). This led to dozens of years of struggle between Pope and King as to whom had the ultimate authority to rule.

Medieval Society (800—1300) Feudalism Early European society was centered around Feudalism, a system whereby peasants worked and lived on land owned by a King’s relative or friend (Lord). This landlord would give them protection. This is an image of a Lord and a peasant:

Medieval Society (800—1300) Feudalism lasted until cities began to grow. Cities grew because peasants wanted to make choices in their lives (ex. To make $ !) Until this point, peasants believed their lives were controlled by God. Purgatory.

Medieval Crises (1300—1400) There were three Crises in the 14 th and 15 th Centuries: Papal Schism The division between Church and State, otherwise known as the Papal Schism 100 Years War The 100 Years War between France and England Black Death Bubonic Plague The Black Death or the Bubonic Plague

Papal Schism The Papal Schism

There has always been a struggle between King and the Pope. The Pope did not want the clergy to be taxed. As a result, in France, King Philip IV captured the Pope (Boniface VIII) and forced the Papacy to be controlled from Avignon. Rome responded by electing a new Pope. Result: 2 Popes. People gave up on salvation altogether.

100 Years War The 100 Years War

The 100 Years War (1337—1450) Fought between England and France. All battles fought on French territory. It was fought over land. Both sides supported the Scorched Earth Policy—destroy everything, leaving nothing for your enemy. France lost most battles because of their Chivalric code, a code of behaviour for knights. Result: much of the land was destroyed, many cities devastated, lives were lost.

Black Death The Black Death

Spread of the Plague

The Plague Most people believed the Plague was caused by God. 25—30% of Europe’s population was destroyed by 1350, never to fully recover until People who survived the Plague were better off because there now was more money for them. However, ones faith was put to be put to the extreme.

The Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation was a movement in the early 1500’s to break up the Christian world. On October 31, 1517, a preacher named Martin Luther was fed up with the Catholic Church selling indulgences, or to purchase your freedom to Heaven. Luther posted 95 Thesis, or “things” for debate on his Church door against the teachings of the Papacy. This became a popular movement. Monarchs supported him, particularly England’s King Henry VIII.

King Henry VIII

Henry had 6 wives. He could only produce one male heir to the throne. Because such, he wanted a divorce but the Catholic Church would not grant him one. He had most of his wives executed. Because of the Protestant Reformation on continental Europe, Henry started his own Church: the Church of England.

“…and traditional society continued to crumble.”