Decline of Feudalism
Historical Event: Signing of the Magna Carta
What happened during this event? |
King John I was forced to sign this set of rules giving nobles more power and setting some limits for king (king is no longer “above the law”) |
When did this event happen? |
1215 |
Where did this event occur? |
England |
Who are the major historical figures associated with this event? |
King John I |
How did this event affect the course of history? |
Led to king not being able to have too much power over everyone; led to Bill of Rights in USA today; Took some power away from king and distributed power to classes below & changed laws in England forever; feudal system stopped; king had to obey the laws and nobles watched over king |
Why is this event important? |
King would have to talk to a council of barons/bishops (Council of the King) before making any decisions; king could not collect new taxes without discussing with council; king had to obey laws of Magna Carta; gave nobles more rights; greatly changed power structure of feudalism; amount of power the king had was now monitored |
Historical Event: Spread of the Bubonic Plague
What happened during this event? |
The bubonic Plague (AKA Black Plague or Black Death) was spread westward from Asia into Europe killing a large number of people in a short period of time. Historians blame rats (& fleas) along with poor living conditions for this rapid outbreak. |
When did this event happen? |
1347 |
Where did this event occur? |
Spread throughout Europe, starting in Italy moving into France, England and Germany – eventually also made it to Northern Africa 9started in Asia and spread through trading/cargo ships) |
Who are the major historical figures associated with this event? |
No one was safe or immune from its spread; King Alfonso of Castile was the only monarch known to have died from it; |
How did this event affect the course of history? |
Survivors lived in constant fear that it would return; people thought Black Death was sent from God; killed many people which led to not having enough farmers/workers; manors break apart as more people move into towns to fill shortages of workers; start of middle class; church leaders died also – people started deciding own faith; contributed to fall of feudalism; 1/3 – 1/2 of population (of Europe) died; made it hard for Christian Crusaders to win as there weren’t enough people to fight; led into Renaissance |
Why is this event important? |
It killed over 25 million people; led to Renaissance; taught people not to rely on higher people (since all could get it); by killing so many people it led to fall of feudalism |
Historical Event: The Crusades
What happened during this event? |
Series of holy wars fought between the Muslims and Christians over control of the holy land (Jerusalem). |
When did this event happen? |
1095-1291 |
Where did this event occur? |
Jerusalem/Israel (holy land) |
Who are the major historical figures associated with this event? |
Pope Claremont (1st Crusade) |
How did this event affect the course of history? |
Helped break down feudalism; changed the way people thought of the church; Europeans became interested in outside/neighboring lands, demand for knowledge and luxury goods grew; encouraged warfare based on religion; Europe began to play a bigger part in the larger world |
Why is this event important? |
Shows importance of religious faith; Christians learned much from the Muslims; trade routes developed between Europe and Asia; weakened power of the church and pope; nobles died – land passed to king; soldiers brought back ideas and new products; western Europe began to trade with neighboring civilizations |