Historical Antecedents in Science and Technology - Middle/Medieval Ages (5th-15th Century) PDF

HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN WHICH SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Middle/Medieval Ages (5th to 15th Century) REY JOHN BARELA - INSTRUCTOR  Lesson What will this lesson cover? Overview...

HISTORICAL ANTECEDENTS IN WHICH SOCIAL CONSIDERATIONS CHANGED THE COURSE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Middle/Medieval Ages (5th to 15th Century) REY JOHN BARELA - INSTRUCTOR  Lesson What will this lesson cover? Overview This lesson will explore how social factors such as religion, economy, and feudalism influenced the course of science and technology in the Middle Ages. Learning Objectives: Explain how social factors during the Middle Ages influenced scientific and technological advancements. Identify key technological innovations and scientific contributions of the medieval period. Analyze how societal changes, such as religious movements and feudalism, impacted the course of science and technology.  Introduction to the Middle Ages The Middle Ages, or Medieval Period, is the period in European history from the 5th century (after the fall of the Western Roman Empire) to the 15th century (before the Renaissance and Age of Discovery). It is often divided into three sub-periods: Early, High, and Late Middle Ages.  Key Characteristic Feudalism: A social, political, and economic system where land s Lords provided protection, was exchanged for military service. while vassals provided labor or military service. Manorialism: The economic structure where peasants worked on large estates (manors) owned by lords, producing food and goods in exchange for protection. Role of the Church: The Roman Catholic Church had immense power and influence over nearly every aspect of life, including education, politics, and science.  Importance of the Period: This era laid the foundations for the future development of Western civilization. It was a time of significant social, technological, and intellectual transformations that would impact later historical periods.  Medieval Agriculture and Technological Agricultural Innovations: Advances Heavy Plow: An iron plow that allowed for deeper tillage in the thick, heavy soils of northern Europe. This led to increased agricultural productivity, especially in areas that previously had low yields. Three-Field System: A system of crop rotation where two fields were planted with crops while the third was left fallow. This increased soil fertility and allowed more land to be cultivated.  Medieval Agriculture and Technological Technological Innovations: Advances Windmills and Watermills: These were vital for grinding grain and irrigating fields. Watermills were particularly common along rivers, while windmills were used where wind was more reliable than water. Impact: The increased food production allowed populations to grow, which in turn fostered the growth of towns and urban centers.  Medieval Agriculture and Technological Social Influence: Advances The feudal system’s reliance on agricultural production drove these innovations. Lords needed more efficient farming techniques to sustain their estates and armies.