The Decline of Medieval The Decline of Medieval EuropeEurope

Starting in the 14th century, European society began to decline due to the following:

1. Famines between 1314 & 13172. The Hundred Years War3. The Black Death

FamineFamine

• The Population increased quickly because of improved agricultural techniques.

• Later poor harvests (because of cooler, wetter weather) caused starvation.

The Hundred Years War (1338-1453)The Hundred Years War (1338-1453)

• A series of conflicts between France and England resulting from hostilities dating back to the Norman Conquest (William the Conqueror).

• Constant battle inhibited development.

The Black Death (1347-1350)The Black Death (1347-1350)

• The Bubonic plague killed ¼ of Europe’s population.• It was spread by rats carrying fleas infected with the

plague.

Effects:Effects:

1. Flourishing commerce & town growth collapsed2. Fewer farmers/labourers = less food = shortages

= less people = fewer farmers/ labourers, etc. etc

The RenaissanceThe Renaissance

• A Great revival of classical (Greek & Roman) art, literature, and learning in Europe.

• Renaissance means rebirth or revival.

Where?Where?

• It Began in the Italian city-states.• The city of Florence, which was under the

control of a powerful banking/trading family (the Medici family) was at its heart.

• It spread to the rest of Europe through the printing press. This allowed books and writing to reach a mass audience quickly and cheaply.

GutenbergGutenberg

• He perfected the press in 1453.

• The level of importance of the printing press is rivaled by few other inventions

Who?Who?

• Artists, writers, and scholars (at first in Italy) who admired classical works, and strove to recreate the work of their ancestors.

• Many became very well known (i.e. Da Vinci, Michelangelo).

• Great patrons (the Medici family, the Roman Catholics Church, governments, etc.) commissioned their work.

Focus/PhilosophyFocus/Philosophy

• Humanism: focus on human concerns.• Emphasis is placed on human ability.• Scientific investigation focused on observation

of the natural world.• Sought to improve humanity and society

through enlightened education and action.• Renaissance man: a term to describe a person

well educated who excels in a wide variety of subjects or fields.

The ReformationThe Reformation

• A religious movement in Europe that began with Roman Catholic reforms and ended with the establishment of Protestant churches.

Where?Where?

• It began in Germany and spread throughout Europe.

Causes:Causes:

1. The Roman Catholic church was weakened by the Great Schism of the 14th century.

2. The sale of church positions by the pope to nobles without religious training.

3. The sale of Indulgences (pardons that could be bought to reduce time punished for sin.)

4. Resentment of expensive church construction, and lavish spending.

5. Differences in belief about how the church should be run.

The leader – Martin Luther (1483-1546)The leader – Martin Luther (1483-1546)

• He was a German monk.• He was outraged by the

sale of church indulgences and other matters of church practice.

• He nailed the Ninety-Five Theses on the door of a church in protest.

• The statements were printed and circulated all over Germany.

• Luther was excommunicated and convicted of heresy by the pope.

• He was saved by a German prince.• His work caused a split in Germany between

Lutherans and Roman Catholics.