Unit II: Middle Ages 1066-1485

The Norman Conquest William the Conqueror -A Frenchman from Normandy, France. -Claimed the English throne had been promised to him. In 1066… -Crosses the English Channel with a huge army. -Defeats King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.

The Normans Changed England Land was divided among William’s followers from Normandy. More contact with Anglo-Saxons. A new language introduced to England – French. A new social system – Feudalism.

Feudalism Royalty, Vassals, and Serfs Based on the religious concept of rank. Some Vassals appointed by king in return for loyalty. Lords (powerful vassals) appointed their own vassals. Vassals did work or loyal service for their feudal lords in exchange for land. Serfs were bound to work and service.

Knights in Shining Armor Provided military service to Lords Often the best of the best Began training at an early age Wore very heavy plate armor into battle Followed a code of chivalry.

Code of Chivalry A code of conduct that covered: Whom a knight defended (Knight’s lord, the king, and Christian Faith) How to treat a lady (courtly love) How to help others How to resist the urge to run away if captured.

Courtly Love The Knight -adored the lady and was inspired by her -glorified the lady in words The Lady -remained pure and out of reach -was set above her admirer

The Romance New genre of literature Inspired the legends of chivalrous Knights (King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table) Hero goes on quest to conqueror evil enemy Hero often has magical help Includes stories of distant, idealized courtly love.

Crusades A series of Holy Wars Waged by European Christians and Muslims in the Middle East Ultimately unsuccessful for Christians Europeans benefit from contact with Arab civilizations.

Benefits to Europeans from the Crusades Examples of sophisticated culture to which the Europeans were exposed included: Public libraries at Damascus and Baghdad Wealthy cities such as Cairo, providing links to the spice trade Universities such as the Al-Azhar University in Cairo, one of the oldest universities in the world. Medical knowledge (first accurate study of small pox and measles)

The Decline of Feudalism Growth of cities and towns Townspeople not tied to master’s land or to knighthood Merchant class – people earned their own money City people’s taste in arts – ballads, miracle plays and so on

Monetary System Before Crusades After Crusades Foreign coins are melted down Few coins exist Feudal lords make coins to be used on their property only Serfs used the barter system Gold coins are used Peasants can earn gold in exchange for labor and goods Peasants can save money, giving them greater buying and selling power.

The Black Death (Bubonic Plague) 1348-1349 Highly contagious Spread by fleas on infected rats Factor in the decline of feudalism Labor shortage gives the lower classes more bargaining power England and Europe’s population reduced by 1/3.

Symptoms Blotches on skin Hardening and swelling of the glands under the armpit or in the groin Delirium Insanity Death

Ring around the Rosy Popular song was coined during Black Death. Bring out your dead

Hundred Years War War between England and France Lasted from 1337-1453 England Unsuccessful Leads to British national conscience

The Yeoman Small landowners with Longbows Begin to become the dominate military force, replacing the knight. Robin Hood Pluck the Yew (100 year War)