THE GREAT TRANSFORMATION

The Decline of Feudal Europe

Why did Feudalism Fail? The Feudal System was one of the most

stable political systems in the history of the world. It took dramatic and devastating events to shake off its grip on society.

We will examine some of these events

The Black Plague (approx 1250-1350)

The Bubonic Plague lasted for approximately 100 years and killed 33% of Europe’s population.

Agricultural disaster as many vassals did not have enough peasants to work the land.

New social mobility among peasants, they were in high demand (bargaining power) among land owners; or were forced to abandon farms to search for a new livelihood. Cities grew to enormous sizes

Vassals all over Europe collapsed Wealth became increasing tied to gold and silver

rather than land.

The Symptoms of the Black Death

The victim of the black death would die 4 to 7 days after the first signs of the illness. Below are the symptoms of the black death.

Victim develops fever and pains Victim feels tired and weak, but finds it difficult to sleep Body temperature increases Victim feels giddy, appears dazed, and begins to talk wildly Swollen glands appear in the groin, armpit, or neck. These

are called Buboes. Bleeding under the skin causes blue-black or purple blotches Red rash with small red spots appears on Buboes Victim dies

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Acral_necrosis_due_to_bubonic_plague.jpg

The Discovery of Ancient Knowledge in Spain

Although Europe was in the Dark Ages, the rest of the world thrived.

The Islamic world never experienced a dark age. Its culture still possessed all the knowledge of the ancients and then some (advanced engineers, philosophy, physical science, astronomy, mathematics)

Cordoba, a Moorish city in Southern Spain, was the most advanced city in Europe

In 1238, Christians invaded and captured southern Islamic Spain and were amazed at what they discovered: (Bridges, Buildings, water systems etc)

Most importantly, they found libraries. These books revealed knowledge that had been last to the Europeans for centuries.

The Hundred Years War (1337-1453)

French Crossbows and English Longbows forever destroyed the knight’s dominance of the battlefield. The old warrior class was no longer necessary.

Gunpowder and the Cannon destroyed ancient castles and fortifications.

Hundreds of Nobles and Knights killed in battle which further destabilized vassals.

The Printing Press (1450)

Invented by Johannes Gutenburg in Germany

Used a “Movable Type” system (a series of blocks with letters engraved on them that could be moved around on a press)

Books could now be reproduced very quickly and inexpensively.

As books became available, literacy rates skyrocketed and people began to slowly discover ancient knowledge.

The Growth of Italian City States Italy’s geography made it a

perfect trading post. Italian cities filled with

merchants who got rich trading with the North Africa, the Middle East and the rest of Europe.

This wealth spawned the growth of many powerful city states.

The Italians created the first modern investment and banking system.

Power was held by rich merchants (Business Men) rather than a warrior class

All this money attracted skilled workers and artists and these Italian cities soon became centers of learning

Summary The Feudal System fell apart in the 15th

and 16th century in most of Europe The Black Plague, 100 years war,

Ancient knowledge of Muslim Spain and Italian Businessmen all contributed to its downfall

Question: Which one was the greatest cause?