Oh So Terrible Medieval Europe

Students will learn about the struggles and conflicts of the Middle Ages and the ways of which political order was achieved.

Life in the Middle Ages was was difficult for most people

Franks were the strongest Germanic group under the rule of King Clovis

Adopted Catholic Christianity

After Clovis died the Franks lost most of their power

Charles became mayor of the palace and alongside with the Pope wanted to restore Catholic order.

Charles also wanted to stop the spread of Islam

732 Defeated the Muslin in the Battle of Tours.

This battle stopped the spread of Islam into Western Europe and ensured that Catholicism would be the primary religion.

After Peppin dies in 768, his son Charles becomes king if the Franks.

Conquered Germany and forced them to Convert to Christianity, Adopted the name "Charles the Great"

When invaders and constant warfare swept through Europe people turned to nobles for protection.

Nobles protected people in return for services such as fighting in the nobles army . This created the new social order known as Feudalism.

Peasants (freeman and serfs) planted crops and harvested food for the king and nobility.

Most lived in a simple cottage or a single room.

All earning were sent to the king and peasants were forced to live in rations.

Religious warfare is spreading throughout Europe

Kingdoms from the North, South, East, and West try to conquer Europe.

After the death of King William, Henry takes the throne.

Creates Habeas Corpus, Grand Jury, Trial Jury

Habeas Corpus- An order to bring a jailed person before a judge to find out whether that person should be jailed.

Grand Jury- a group of citizens to settle disputes

Trial Jury- decided whether a person was innocent or guilty

Significant because this is the justice system we use today

Henry's son John, became King of England in 1199.

in 1215 nobles met with King John and Forced him to sign the Magna Carta.

This limited the power of the King and forced the king to uphold the rights of freedmen

Influenced the idea that people have rights and government power should be limited