Gracey Sorensen

Middle Ages Response

April 2016
Should the Middle Ages be considered the Dark Ages?
The Middle Ages were a time full of advancements, war, destruction, and growth. There are
so many events and viewpoints on each situation and topic which make many people question on
whether or not The Middle Ages should be called the Dark Ages or not. Although there were
many incidents of no peace throughout the land, there were clear religious advancements and
societal advancements that make the Middle Ages necessary step for humanity to take, proving
they should not be called the Dark Ages.
The many events and people who helped the religious growth and spread were completely
necessary for the people of The Middle Ages and helped them greatly. During this time, the rise
of the Catholic Church took place. The Catholic Church influenced so many morals, pieces of
art, education and daily routines of most people in Europe. Living in a hard time, the Catholic
Church gave the people a place of hope, worship and a meaning in life. Also, the Middle Ages
were the time period in which Charlemagne had an extremely large influence. Charlemagne was
one of the leaders during this period and also was the start of the rise of the Catholic Church.
After he died, he assured that people would follow Christ and Christianity. In modern day
Europe and America the Catholic Church is so popular and there are so many followers. The

Middle ages allowed this extreme advancement in religion to grow and become popular which
has lasted all the way to continue to affect so many now.
Along with advancements in the church and religious aspects, there was also many
advancements in the way of ruling people and society. Feudalism was the idea of having a set
social class where the peasants or poor would live on the higher powered or richers land and
work for them. This idea was a positive change because before there was no order between the
people. Feudalism gave everyone a place in the region, jobs, and protection. Although the
peasant had no say, it still brought more order to the land.
Many people say that the reason the Middle Ages should be called the Dark Ages is because of
all the death and fighting that went on during the time period. This is a false statement because
all the conflicts faced brought the people closer together. After the Crusades, there was much
more trade in Europe helping with improvement in medical and education. Even following the
Hundred Year War France and England each united. All the wars fought gave the people in the
Middle Ages a fresh start allowing more advancements to take place.
The Middle Ages showed to have so many advancements in every aspect of the culture.
Throughout all the hardships faced, more improvements and growth came from the people. The
people clearly did not lack any form of growth in the religious and societal elements of the
society. So many ideas that were born in this time period are still used in todays world. That
proves how people should not focus on the negative aspects of the Middle Ages and call it the
Dark Ages. The Middle Ages were not a setback, but a necessary time where people had many
changes to start new and make advancements that influence the rest of the world.