History X: Kountz Class Notes, 1.

1 9/7/2012 Big Issue of the Day: Why terms like European History, Feudalism, are problematic. Work on specificity, dont generalize I. II. Attendance Announcements

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Go over blog, quiz, questions Feudalism Activity: Board a. Think of the word Feudalism. Picture in your mind. Draw in notebook. Groups, 510 minutes. Put it on the board. b. Talk about the term, what it means, compare it to manorialism. i. Feudalism, political relationship. Manorialism, economic system. Variations existed in different parts of Europe. Not monolithic. c. The point? Power in Europe is decentralized, with the possible exception of the Roman Catholic Church.

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The 12th Century Renaissance a. Begin With Periodization of the Middle Ages: i. We are starting in Europe, somewhere between the High Middle Ages (1000-1300) and the Late Middle Ages (1300-1500) ii. Talk about dates, periodization, why the can be problematic 1. For example, if the Renaissance begins around 1350 in Italy, why do we talk about the Italian Renaissance and not the Italian Late Middle Ages?

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Characteristics of the 12th Century Renaissance (Cultural advancements of the High Middle Ages) a. High Middle Ages i. Population Growth ii. More Stability iii. New Innovations in Farming=Increase in Production b. Revival of Trade i. Hanseatic League (Confederation of Merchant Guilds across Northern European Cities and Trade Routes) ii. Marco Polo and the Silk Road (Late 13th century)

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iii. Increased trade (more diversity, more volume) leads to increased specialization. Puts pressure on Feudal/Manorial model. Artisans/Craftsmen settle in Cities Increased Contact with the Islamic World i. Preservation of Classical Texts ii. Translated into Latin Universities Scientific Achievements Architecture (Gothic) Scholasticism i. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica (Primary Source) 1. Start by reading the document fresh. Break down the method, structure. Deliberate arguments, refutations. 2. Historical Context: As more knowledge and learning circulate, how are reason and faith reconciled? (Church is worried about revival of classical thought, increasing contact with new ideas). Scholasticism is the body of thought that undertakes this reconciling.

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So, if Middle Ages Europe experienced a cultural revival, why do we talk about The Renaissance? a. Segue into tomorrow: South of the Alps is different. Also, 14th century was a time of great crisis and conflict, particularly in Northern Europe.

Reading Questions from Last Night: 1. What relationships formed the core of the Manorial System (Manorialism)? 2. What caused the revival of trade in Europe in the 12th century? If it is more than one thing (which is likely), be prepared to describe two reasons. 3. In what way did the revival of trade have an impact on European cities? Be precise. 4. What does the term bourgeoisie mean? 5. What was the typical design of Medieval European cities? 6. Describe the Gothic cathedral. 7. What role did universities play in Medieval society? 8. Who was Tomas Aquinas?