2. The Black Death Bubonic plague – spread by traders from China to Europe; often along Mongol routes but not exclusively At its height, it killed one in three people Altered political institutions (helped end the feudal system in Europe) Some regions (Europe, China) were devastated, others (India) were not

3. Black Death 1300s (fourteenth century) Greatly devastates Europe’s population (1/3) Helps end the feudal system (why swear loyalty to a lord in exchange for land, when land is readily available?) Goodbye feudal system…

4. Cities Not as large as Mediterranean cities Rampant poverty and disease Cities led to increase in trade From 1000 to 1200 led to growth in Europe’s economy

5. Trade Local traders form trade organizations called “guilds” Guilds help control prices, regulate quality, and fought for merchant rights Hanseatic League – commercial alliance – represented shippers in Germany and the Baltic sea

6. EUROPEAN MEDIEVAL TOWNS AND TRADE ROUTES Italian city-states and cities of the Hanseatic League dominated trade in western Europe during the late Middle Ages. Merchants from Venice and Genoa brought silks and spices from the eastern Mediterranean to northern markets, where they met merchants who traded in fish, furs,, and textiles.

7. MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE Called “Gothic” Pointed, instead of round, arches Flying buttresses Sharp spires

10. Religion and Education Catholic Church extremely powerful Gave Europe a unified cultural element Monks translated and copied Greek and Roman writings Made Latin the language of the educated

11. Universities were dominated by the Church Taught theology, law, and medicine Open only to men Scholars sought to blend Greek and Roman logic with Christian faith (St. Thomas Aquinas)

13. The Magna Carta 1215- a group of nobles confronts King John and forces him to sign the Magna Carta (great charter) Gives the nobles some rights (not commoners)- king is subject to the law Soon after, England establishes a parliament Example of limited government

14. Hundred Years’ War 1337-1453 Between England and France England controls over ½ France Joan of Arc helps French repel English Leads to stronger, more centralized nations in France and England

15. The Renaissance

16. Beginnings Renaissance means “rebirth” Referred to rebirth of “classical” learning of Greece and Rome Based on Humanism – focused on worldly subjects and human concerns Characterized by scientific inquiry and geographical exploration Gradual change in intellectual trends

17. Location Began in Florence, Italy Spread to rest of Europe Urban phenomenon Caused by Crusades- how?

18. Medici Family Wealthiest family in Florence Supported renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello

30. Exploration Portugal first European country to engage in extensive exploration (new technology) Marco Polo’s adventures, the Crusades, and a desire for spices helped spur voyages of exploration Columbus-1492- (It’s a big world after all) – Importance- creates a permanent link between the Eastern and Western hemispheres

31. Invention of the Printing Press Begins in China Johann Gutenberg (German) adapts to alphabet- 1450s Helps the spread of ideas (renaissance and enlightenment)