Geography and Kingdoms of Europe

Geography of Europe

• Most of Europe is within 300 miles of a coast.
• Seas and rivers provided protection and influenced culture.
• The English Channel separates Britain and Ireland.
• Mountain ranges, like the Pyrenees, create cultural divisions.
• Western Europe enjoys a mild climate; summers are warm and dry, winters are mild.
• Central and Northern Europe have cold winters and hot summers.
• The growing season is long enough for good harvests.

Kingdoms of Western Europe

• Europe was divided into Germanic kingdoms.
• Italy and Spain retained Roman traditions.

Franks in Europe

• Franks settled in France and Western Germany.
• Clovis became king and converted to Christianity.
• All Franks became Christians.
• Charles Martel gained power, stopped the spread of Islam.
• The Pope supported Martel's actions.
• The Battle of Tours marked a crucial victory for Martel.
• Pepin, Martel's son, took over; defended the Pope from Lombards.
• Pepin gave the Pope Papal estates - strengthened Church-state ties.

Emperor Charlemagne

• Charlemagne, Pepin's son, inherited the throne.
• Charlemagne forcefully converted Saxons to Christianity.
• Charlemagne expanded the Frankish kingdom.
• Charlemagne was known as Charles the Great or Charlemagne.
• Charlemagne defended the Pope.
• He was crowned Roman Emperor, re-establishing the Roman Empire.
• Charlemagne used counts (local officials) for governance.
• He promoted education through the empire.

Waves of Invaders

• Charlemagne's death led to the division of his empire.
• Muslims from Africa raided France and Italy.
• Magyars invaded France.
• Vikings (skilled sailors) raided various regions.
• Vikings were driven by overpopulation and sought new land.
• Vikings seized resources and burned communities.

Holy Roman Empire (HRE)

• German nobles sought unification under a king.
• Otto, a Duke, became ruler and defended the Pope.
• Otto was crowned Emperor of the Romans.

The Church and Its Influence

• St. Patrick traveled to Ireland in the 400s AD, spreading Christianity and establishing churches.
• St. Patrick inspired Pope Gregory I (Greg the Great) to continue spreading Christianity.
• Monks served as missionaries.
• Monks lived in monasteries, serving as schools and hospitals.
• Nuns lived in convents and performed similar roles.

Church Authority

• Conflicts arose between Church leaders and kings regarding authority.
• The Pope claimed authority to appoint high-ranking church officials.
• This angered Emperor Henry IV.
• Pope Gregory VII excommunicated Henry IV.
• German nobles sided with the Pope.
• Henry IV went to the Pope for forgiveness.
• The Pope forgave Henry IV.
• German nobles elected a new king.
• The Pope acknowledged the new king.
• Henry IV seized Rome.
• Disputes continued until 1122, the Concordat of Worms.
• The Concordat of Worms resolved the conflict.

Feudal Order

• Kings granted estates to nobles who fought for them.
• Kings power decreased, landowning nobles gained influence.
• This system is termed Feudalism.

Lord, Vassals, Knights

• Feudalism was based on loyalty and duty.
• Lord: High-ranking noble.
• Vassal: Lower-ranking noble serving a lord in battle.
• Fief: Land granted for service.
• Knight: Warrior who fought on horseback.

Nobles and Knights

• Nobles held significant power in Europe.
• Knights followed a code of chivalry: bravery, obedience, respect, honor, and helping others.
• Knights trained through contests.
• Noble wives or daughters often managed estates.

The Medieval Manor

• Manors were farming communities where peasants and nobles lived and worked.
• A Lord's steward oversaw the manor, ensuring duties.

Two Groups of Peasants

• Peasants were categorized as freemen or serfs.
• Freeman had more rights and could move freely.
• Most peasants were serfs.
• Serfs were tied to the manor and couldn't own property, move, or marry without Lord's permission.
• Serfs couldn't be sold or taken from their land.
• Serfs worked the Lord's land for three days each week.

Life of Peasants

• Peasants lived in simple cottages.
• Lifestyles revolved around the church.
• Sundays and feast days offered breaks.
• Women were responsible for children and food preparation.

Improvements in Farming

• Improvements enhanced farming:
  • Heavy Wheeled Plows: More land was available for farming.
  • Horse Collars: Horses pulled plows more quickly.
  • Water and Wind Power: Used to grind grain.
  • Crop Rotation: Three fields were used; soil remained fertile.

Growth of Towns and Cities

• Following the fall of Rome, Europe became dangerous.
• Towns repaired roads, arrested criminals, and enforced laws.
• Population grew; trade with other regions began.

Wealthy Trading Centers

• Trade increased, expanding towns into wealthier cities.
• Venice, Pisa, Genoa became major trading posts.
• Florence produced high-quality wool.

Government in Cities

• A middle class emerged due to growing trade.
• Towns grew large and organized their own governments.
• Cities attempted to avoid paying taxes to nobles.
• Towns forced nobles to grant them rights.

What Do Guilds Do?

• Craftspeople formed guilds to regulate business and trade.
• Guilds set and enforced quality standards.
• Apprentice: Learned from a Master, provided room and board.
• Journeyman: Worked for daily wage under a Master.
• Master: Skilled craftsman.

Life in Medieval Cities

• Cities were walled to keep out invaders.
• Lighting relied on candles and fireplaces; sanitation was poor.
• Unsanitary conditions prevailed in urban settings.
• Women were responsible for child-rearing and support local trade.

Explore the geography of Europe, focusing on its diverse climate and significant cultural divisions. Learn about the Germanic kingdoms and the impact of the Franks on European history, including key figures such as Clovis and Charles Martel. This quiz covers important historical and geographical aspects that shaped Europe.