1. Unit II: Middle Ages

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

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

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

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

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