1. Western Europe in the Middle Ages Fall of Rome until 1450 1450 Pages 650 to 656

2. Early Middle Ages Charlemagne, a skillful general, united much of the Western Roman Empire in about 800. Set up efficient government Spread Christianity Encouraged revival of learning and the arts

3. Feudalism Many invaders entered WE after the death of Charlemagne In response, a military elite emerged Feudalism- a system of rule by local lords who were bound to a king by ties of loyalty developed.

4. Feudalism continued Feudalism continued Each person has a fixed place in society King Lords Vassals Knights Peasants and Townspeople

5. Feudalism continued The king is the head of society and grants fiefs, or estates, to powerful lords. The lords owed the king total loyalty and obedience in return.

6. Feudalism continued The lords divided their fiefs among vassals, or lesser lords. Vassals further divided their fiefs among knights, or mounted warriors. Everyone from lords to knights were nobility.

7. Feudalism continued Bottom of society- lived on the land of a lord, owed service to the lord in exchange for protection Most peasants were serfs, meaning they were tied to the land and not allowed to leave the estate.

8. Status of Women Subordinate to men- father, husband, or brother has complete authority over her Marriages arranged to benefit families House work, raise children

9. Jewish Communities Jews were persecuted and discriminated against Forbidden to own land Limited to certain professions Blamed for diseases Still maintained stable communities

10. The Manor Economy Manor- included a village and the surrounding lands administered by a lord. Each manor was self- sufficient Peasants spend 4 days farming for their lord and 2 farming their own farm Peasants owed some of their harvest to lord.

11. Remember…Role of the Church Played major role Turned to Christianity for guidance Church officials advised kings and nobles A document written in 1075 outlined the powers of the pope- including the power to dispose of an emperor

12. continued Many people joined monasteries and convents- spread Christianity, cared for the sick Provided education- Set up schools and universities Supported the arts- Gothic cathedrals

13. Expanding Horizons By the late 1100s feudalism had declined and trade and travel increased As merchants gained wealth they negotiated charters, or written documents that guaranteed certain rights to townspeople. Slowly, a middle class emerged

14. The Crusades 1095- Pope Urban II called for a crusade to take the Holy Land from the Muslims For 200 years Christians fought Muslims in the Middle East Some crusaders thought they were doing God’s will, some wanted to get goods, others wanted to escape debt and taxes

15. Contact with Asia Europeans brought knowledge, goods, technologies, and resources back from the Middle east In 1348 ships returning from Asia brought back the bubonic plague- The Black Death Killed 25 million Europeans in 5 years

16. The Bubonic Plague Flea-infested rats got onto European ships and spread the disease. Symptoms Blisters, red or black High fever Chills Headache Swollen glands ulcers Extreme exhaustion Delirium

17. Constant grave digging Christians blamed Jews Some thought it was a punishment from God “The End of the World”