The West 600-1500

What is the West anyway?

The WEST or Western Civilization refers to Western Europe and then later will include the

United States.

Western Europe

Compared with Byzantine, Chinese, and Islamic Empire

In Western Europe . . .• There was less political

unity and more competition between regions – More militarized– Is competition good?

In Western Europe . . .

• The political rulers were weaker – – The Church and warrior-

elite class challenged their power

In Western Europe . . .

• The cities were more independent and powerful– Merchants had more freedom

• There was more separation between political and religious life

• There was a strong emphasis on human REASON in academics– Aristotle and Greek rationality were

emphasized

In Western Europe . . .

• Women had higher status– Monogamy– Female religious

orders– No veiling nor

seclusion

CONTINUITIES – W European characteristics that continued past the

1400s• Crusading element of European

expansion• Military conflicts between European

territories• Emphasis on reason• Split in Christianity• Separation of religious and political

authority

European Technology (borrowed from)

• Iron horseshoes & horse collar (China)• Cross-bow (Arab)• Gunpowder (China)• Magnetic compass (China & Arab)• Lateen sail (Arab)• Paper (China)

Also . . . • Heavy wheeled plow• Crop rotation (3 field system)• Water mills and engineering power