crash course Medieval Europe vid

Study Notes

Medieval Europe

Medieval Europe was a time of turmoil and upheaval, marked by disease, famine, war, and social unrest.
The Black Death, a pandemic of Bubonic Plague, swept across Europe in the 14th century, killing an estimated 50% of the population.
The plague originated in Asia, likely in Tibet, and spread through travel via rats, mice, and fleas.

The Black Death

Bubonic plague is a bacterial infection, caused by Yersinia pestis, that causes lymph nodes to swell and sometimes burst.
Symptoms include high fevers, vomiting blood, and gangrene.
The Black Death was devastating, with around 25 million people dying in Asia before it reached Europe in 1347.
The plague led to widespread death and social disruption.

The Hundred Years' War

The 100 Years' War was a protracted conflict between England and France, lasting from 1337 to 1453, over who would rule continental Europe.
The war intensified instability in Europe, leading to food shortages and the breakdown of traditional societal structures.
The war also saw innovations in warfare, such as the use of the longbow by English soldiers and cannons by the French.
Joan of Arc, a French peasant woman, played a pivotal role in the war, helping to turn the tide in favor of France.

The Great Schism

In the 14th century, the Catholic Church experienced a period of deep division known as the Great Schism.
This schism stemmed from a dispute between the papacy and European kings, notably King Philip IV of France.
Philip wanted to tax the Catholic clergy in France, leading to conflicts with Pope Boniface VIII.
The schism began when two rival Popes were elected, one in Rome and another in Avignon, France.
The Great Schism lasted for over 40 years, weakening the Church's authority and causing further societal unrest.

The Decline of Feudalism

The Black Death and the Hundred Years' War had a profound impact on the feudal system, which was based on loyalty and land ownership.
The plague decimated the peasant workforce, making their labor more valuable and prompting demands for better conditions.
Peasant revolts, such as the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 in England, aimed to challenge the power of nobles.
Urban artisans also revolted, demanding higher wages and tax relief. The Ciompi rebellion in Florence exemplifies this.

The Rise of the Renaissance

Despite the challenges of the 14th and 15th centuries, new thinking and creativity emerged in Europe, leading to the Renaissance.
The Renaissance was characterized by renewed interest in classical learning, art, and culture.
The city of Florence was a hub of Renaissance activity.
The Renaissance saw a blossoming of artistic and intellectual innovation, marking a period of cultural rebirth in Europe.

Description

Explore the turbulent times of Medieval Europe characterized by the catastrophic events of the Black Death and the enduring conflict of the Hundred Years' War. This quiz delves into the causes, effects, and historical context of these significant events that reshaped European society. Test your knowledge on the impact of disease and warfare in this pivotal era.