Unit 1 Crisis of the Middle Ages

The Later Middle AgesPrelude to Disaster

•THE “HIGH” MIDDLE AGES WAS FROM 1100-1330(ISH) THE TIME OF THE CRUSADE ETC….

•BEGINNING AROUND 1300 EUROPE IS HIT WITH A SERIES OF PROBLEMS, CAUSING EUROPE AS A WHOLE TO QUESTION EVERYTHING ABOUT THE SOCIETY THEY HAD MADE FOR THEMSELVES- CHANGED THE WAY THEY SAW THE WORLD.

Climate Change and Famine

Bad weather (Little Ice Age 1300-1450) meant bad harvests and famine.

Worst period known as “Great Famine” (1315-1322). But overall, lower caloric intake/quality made people more susceptible to disease

Social Consequences

Famine had big impact on Europe -People moved around a lot (looking for better lands etc. ) which changed demographics. And econ issues in one area impacted others (sheep died in England which impacted wool markets in Flanders etc)

Population loss comes not only from starvation, but from delayed marriages/having fewer kids (that survived)

Hungry people are scared/angry – scapegoating (Jews/Lepers/”witches”)

Black Death/Pathology

Europe in the middle ages wasn’t a

“healthy” place, but a variety of factors

combine to make the Black death a catastrophic event,

Trade with areas outside Europe (esp middle east) continued after crusades. October 1347 trade ships return to Italy from the Black Sea- with some extra cargo: Bubonic Plague which hit a population already weakened by famine

“Bubonic” comes from the boil (bubo- I know, it’s a funny word) and was the most common form- transmitted from rats to fleas to humans . But there was also a “Pneumonic” version- transmitted via coughing/sneezing, and “septicemic” (multi system organ failure)

Spread of the Disease

• Originated in Asia 1331 - travelled the silk road- and hit Europe in October 1347. Spread like wildfire- anywhere from ¼ to ½ of the population died. Varies by area, cities hit hard and sanitation issues- or lack therefore were NO help.

• First wave ends around 1353, reappears intermittently in following decades, 1666 (London), last Marseilles 1721

Care of the Sick

• Seemed a biblical judgment, God’s punishment for a sinful world. No effective treatment available

• Hysteria led to some interesting preventatives/medicines (drinking powdered emeralds is a favorite)

• Widespread hysteria- people fled, entire towns were deserted.

1. Based on their clothing and objects they are carrying, who are the people in the Fresco? What does this suggest was the artist’s message about death? 2. Paintings such as this clearly provide evidence of the preoccupation with death in this era, but does this work highlight other social issues as well? If so, what are they?

Economic, Religious, and Cultural effects

• Devastating to witness, those who survived the age were never the same. Ripped apart social fabric- causing people to question “privileges” of Church and nobility.

• Some turned to deeper religion, or Flagellants: punishing themselves to keep disease away. Also lots of violence directed at scapegoats (Jews)

• In the end, plague makes Europe stronger, it was overpopulated in 1347- this took care of that- redistribution of land, more resources available, better standard of living.

• Also led to greater education (new colleges) and new experimental procedures, clearly the way things had been done not working….

100 Years War/Causes

• 1337-1453 (116 years) Last “medieval” war of

knights and chivalry

• 1328 the Capetian dynasty of France was dying out. Queen Isabella of England (sister of last Capetain Charles IV), said her son Edward III was heir. Good claim, English crown already held Aquitaine (SW France) .

• French nobility create a law saying heir cannot come through female line (which will hold until revolution of 1789)- and chose Philip of Valois as new king. The Philip claimed Aquitaine.

• Edward invades 1337, but this are also elements civil war (part of why it lasts so long) kings have been centralizing power, nobles don’t like that (some back Edward- like the powerful Burgundians, and the Scots back the French)

English Successes

• War fought almost entirely in France – and was NOT continuous.

• England starts strong. At battle of Crecy 1346 the English longbow men and Eng. also first to use cannon usher in a new style of war. At the seige of Poitiers in 1357 the King of France was captured and held for ransom. By battle of Agincourt 1415 (Henry V married French Princess so his sons would be heirs) British victory seemed assured.

Joan of Arc and France’s Victory

Joan of Arc born 1412 in Doremy France. “Voices” told her to go to the Dauphin (Charles VII) and make him king, then expel the English from France. So she does. She is a turning point, convinces the French that God wants them to win, that they CAN win. Joan captured by Eng. in 1430 and burned as a heretic in 1431.

BUT she her victories convinced the Burgundians to switch sides, and that help tip scales for France. By 1453 only Calais is British

Aftermath

• War promoted Nationalism, but was also a bottomless pit of $$ and manpower.

• England spent a TON of $$- and ended up losing not only their claim to throne, but all their lands in France (stimulated parliament at home)

• France wins, but is devastated even

in victory- the country is laid waste.

Made king of France more powerful

(felt need to control nobles, didn’t

like Burgundian independence)

Representative Assemblies

Assemblies of nobles (diets, cortes, parlements) had been common in early middle ages, but they were dying out. England’s (esp Edward III’s) constant need for $$ for war kept England’s going.

In order to keep $$ flowing, Edward agreed that parliament had to approve new taxes- giving them a check on the power of the king (which will be important later)

Challenges to the Church

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH WAS THE DOMINANT SPIRITUAL FORCE OF THE MIDDLE AGES- THE ONLY PATH TO HEAVEN. ALSO HAD ENORMOUS SOCIAL CONTROL AND PRESTIGE- UNQUESTIONABLE, AND WAS THE LARGEST LANDOWNER IN EUROPE

CATHOLICISM WAS ALSO SOMETHING THAT (ALMOST) EVERYONE HAD IN COMMON- THE LAST BIT OF “UNITY” OF THE CLASSICAL AGE

THE CHURCH WILL LOSE BOTH ITS SUPREMACY AND IT INFALLIBILITY BY THE END OF THE MIDDLE AGES

Babylonian Captivity

From 1309-1376 the pope lived in Avignon France rather than Rome

Damaged the pope’s prestige- seen as a “puppet” of the French king and Avignon papal court was known for luxury and extravagance (not so holy)

Also caused all sorts of

problems in Italy- pope was

leader of big chunk (papal

states) and he’s not there

Petrarch – A Letter Criticizing the Avignon Papacy 1354

SI am now living in [Avignon], in the Babylon of the West . . . Here reign the successors of the poor fishermen of Galilee who]have strangely forgotten their origin.

I am astounded, as I recall their predecessors, to see these men loaded with gold and clad in purple, boasting of the spoils of princes and nations; to see luxurious palaces and heights crowned with fortifications, instead of a boat turned downwards for their shelter. We no longer find the simple nets which were once used to gain a frugal living from the lake of Galilee . . . .

One is stupefied nowadays to hear the lying tongues, and to see the arts of Belial [i.e., the devil], to catch hordes of unwary Christians. Instead of holy solitude we find a criminal host and crowds . . .; instead of sobriety, licentious banquets . . .; instead of pious pilgrimages . . . foul sloth; instead of the bare feet of the apostles . . . horses decked in gold . . . . In short, we seem to be among the kings of the Persians or Parthians, before whom we must fall down and worship, and who cannot be approached except presents be offered.OURCE: Petrarch, between 1340 and 1354.

Great Schism

1377 papal conclave, Italian cardinals elect Urban VI, (says he will stay in Italy) But French cardinals choose Clement VII (cousin of Fr. King)

So who is “really” pope? Italy, HRE, and England support Urban. France, Spain and Scotland support Clement. Church leaders Deposed and /or excommunicated various popes, installed others (which only added to confusion of the period)

Split continued until 1417- and cost the church a lot of respect- how can they be “infallible” if they can’t even choose their own leader?

Critiques, Divisions and Councils

After Schism people begin calling for reform of the church, saying that pope’s power comes from Christian community (not God) and his role is to serve them (not rule with divine right)

Conciliarists wanted there to be periodic meetings to discuss and reform church policy. There were several- council of Constance 1414 -1418 (ended schism) most important.

William of Occam ad Marsiglio of Padua (both members of clergy) called for separations between church and state

Overall, shows people aren’t just going to accept anymore- precursor to reformation

John Wycliff/Jan Hus

Called for more serious reform

John Wyclif: English – followers were called Lollards. Said Church should not have secular power, or own property. Said everyone should read the bible for themselves (at a time when many clergy hadn’t read it) and that bible/services should be in Vernacular (common language)

Jan Hus: Bohemian (Czech) Denied the divine authority of the pope, translated the bible into Bohemian, and

said indulgences (guarantees of

forgiveness of sin- remember this, it will

be important soon) were fake. Burned

at stake

Lay Piety and Mysticism

Confraternities: organizations of ordinary people would gather for religious activities, like guided prayer, or run charities, or raise $$ for church needs . Very important in an age full of crises.

Brethren of the Common Life: lived simply and cared for the poor (wait, isn’t that what church is supposed to do?)

Mystical Experiences were also popular, with clergy and ordinary people spoke of visions of Saints etc. Generally not a problem unless they challenged church

Social Unrest in a Changing Society

EUROPE IS ON THE EDGE OF GREAT CHANGE. THEY HAVE RISEN FROM THE ASHES OF CATASTROPHE (DESTRUCTION OF CLASSICAL WORLD, BLACK DEATH ETC) AND ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN THEIR CLIMB TO WORLD DOMINATION.

Peasant Revolts

Peasants were definitely exploited, and they didn’t like it- esp hated were feudal obligations. Resentment frequently led to revolt

1358 “Jacquerie” (in name of “Jacques bonhomme”) sparked by new taxes paid to raise ransom for Fr. King. (during 100 years war)

1381 Eng. Peasant’s revolt also about taxes to continue fighting in 100 years war. Revolts frequently demanded $$ wages and an end to manor obligations.

Revolts tended to be put down savagely. But by 1550 serfdom and feudal obligations had died out in western Europe- so it sort of worked

Urban Conflicts

Much of the work Medieval cities was controlled by Guilds – which were kind of like unions, with strict rules about #s of workers in specific crafts, the training workers were to get etc (apprentice, journeyman, master).

It was meant to protect workers (by limiting competition and providing support) but sometimes became very restrictive (only people from existing families could become masters etc) which would spark resentment.

During late middle ages many guilds strove to drive women from the workplace (which had been common earlier) limiting female econ choices.

Sex in the City

In Northwestern Europe the tradition was for couples to be econ independent (have house, land, business) before marriage. Marriages (of peasants) not generally arranged, but had to be approved by both families. Men married in their mid/ate 20s, girls in mid/late teens. Problems in late middle ages pushed age of marriage back- which meant people had fewer kids

Most cities had legal and illegal brothels- considered necessary to contain the “unrest” of the men in the city.

Rape not uncommon, and was considered generally to be the woman’s fault. Though a capital crime, in reality, penalties for shoplifting were higher.

Homosexuality (which had not been a big deal in the classical world) became a “crime” in the middle ages, though it was rare for there to be actual arrest/executions

“Fur Collar” Crime

Noble privileges had been born in a time

(knights, dark ages etc) when they were responsible for protecting those below them. But as time passed (and their style of fighting died out after 100 years war) their lives became more about lavish comfort – which is expensive.

Young noblemen would demand “protection $$” from peasants, or even form gangs to steal. Landowners increased fees/rents to squeeze extra $$- and paid off courts etc if challenged

Folk stories of heroes like Robin Hood symbolize the deep resentment felt by lower classes as “nobles” begin to transition towards being “aristocrats”.

Ethnic Tensions and Restrictions

During the late middle ages crisis causes a lot of demographic change- populations move from one place to another looking for better circumstances, which can cause issues as many wanted to keep their own ways (leading to different laws for different people in same area)

The people of Europe are all Caucasian, so “Race” came to describe culture/customs, not biology. Chief marks of an ethnic group were language, customs, laws, and religion- all seen as your blood heritage.

Ireland (rule by England) was an early example of extreme discrimination – entire Irish population was considered “unfree” with laws like the Statute of Kilkenny (1366) to prevent “mixing” blood.

Vernacular Literature

Latin had been “universal” language of late classical age, but during dark ages languages had localized, becoming specific to an area. Vernacular is “everyday” language originally used for informal communication. (yolo, swagg etc)

During late middle ages, growing nationalism led people to begin using “their” language for writing as well.

Dante Alighieri (The Divine Comedy- a journey through hell, purgatory and heaven) , and Geoffrey Chaucer (The Canterbury Tales – stories told by a group of pilgrims) important early vernacular writers.

For much of middle ages only clergy had been literate. As layperson literacy began to spread (will really take off in renaissance) it shifts a balance of power.