Western Europe After the Fall of the Roman Empire

It had fewer enemies to fight

It had stronger trade routes and defenses

It was protected by the Germanic tribes

It had fewer people to govern

The economy improved through trade

Education and literacy increased

People turned to local leaders for protection

Cities became wealthier and more populated

Cities grew larger and wealthier

People abandoned cities for rural life

Merchants built new trade empires

Governments supported urban rebuilding

To provide protection and stability during chaos

To encourage long-distance trade

To strengthen royal government

To replace the Church’s power

Germanic kings

Peasants and serfs

Monks and priests

Soldiers and merchants

Europe became more united under one culture

Latin remained the only written language

Europe became more divided into regional cultures

Communication improved across the empire

Romans valued law and the state; Germans valued personal loyalty and kinship

Romans emphasized loyalty to family; Germans valued citizenship

Both societies emphasized equality before the law

Germanic tribes followed a democratic government system