Transcript Outcome: Causes/Effects of the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages: What is it?
1.
a.
Time period that existed between the Roman Empire and the Renaissance.
b. Lasts roughly 1000 years, 500-1500
c. Other names: The Dark Ages or medieval period.
d. Often seen as a very bleak and dangerous period
2.
Causes of the Middle Ages
a. Fall of Rome
b. Invasions
i. Disruption of Trade: Merchant trade collapsed and Europe’s
economic centers were destroyed. Money also became scarce.
ii. Downfall of cities: Cities were abandoned as centers of
administration.
b. Invasions
iii. Downfall of cities: Cities were abandoned as centers of administration
iv. Decline of learning: Germanic invaders could not read or write.
Learning became less important as people moved to rural areas.
v. Loss of a common language: Latin changed as Germanic people
mixed with Roman population.
3.
Effects of the Middle Ages
a. New Germanic Kingdoms Emerge (Holy Roman Empire)
b. Rise of the feudal system in Europe
3.
Effects of the Middle Ages
c.
The power of the Christian Church (Catholic) grows rapidly
d. Europe became rural (safer?)
e. No major emphasis on learning
Effects of the Middle Ages
3.
f.
New languages replace Latin
g.
Early signs of modern European countries start to appear (England & France)