Medieval Europe: Crash Course European History #1

Crash Course European History: The Middle Ages

Introduction to the Middle Ages

• John Green introduces the topic of medieval Europe, highlighting its negative reputation due to disease and famine.

• Common misconceptions include knights in shining armor engaging in slaughter under a chivalric code, which was declining during this period.

• While beer was commonly consumed, people also drank milk and water from safe wells. However, significant events like the Black Death and wars marked this era.

The Black Death

• The Black Death, caused by Bubonic Plague, spread from Asia to Europe via rats and fleas carried by humans.

• Symptoms included swollen lymph nodes, high fevers, vomiting blood, and gangrene leading to necrosis; mortality rates were between 50% to 60%.

• By 1347, around 25 million had died in Asia before it reached Constantinople; within four years, millions more perished in Europe.

• Communities faced devastating choices regarding caring for infected loved ones or risking their own lives; some areas lost up to 80% of their population.

• Giovanni Boccaccio's quote illustrates the horror of death during this time as bodies piled up beyond burial capacity.

Impact on Society

• The bacterium Yersinia Pestis is humorously referenced as a plush toy despite its deadly nature.

• Concurrently, the Hundred Years War created further instability between England and France over territorial control starting in 1337.

Interplay Between War and Instability

• Both war and instability are interlinked; poor harvests can lead to war while warfare exacerbates food shortages and disease outbreaks.

• The decline of chivalry is noted as mercenaries began looting without regard for noble conduct traditionally expected of knights.

Innovations in Warfare

• Non-aristocratic soldiers utilized longbows effectively at battles like Agincourt; cannons were also innovated during this period using gunpowder from China.

Joan of Arc's Role

• Joan of Arc emerged as a pivotal figure during the war after visions inspired her to lead French forces against English occupation.

The Decline of the Church and Rise of New Powers in Late Medieval Europe

Joan of Arc and the Harsh Realities of 14th-15th Century Life

• Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians, a rival royal court, and handed over to the English, leading to her execution by burning in 1431. This reflects the brutal nature of life during this period.

• High rates of murder and violent crime characterized European life; dying in war was common, with malnutrition and high child mortality rates (up to 50% before age five).

The Power Struggle Between Church and State

• Pope Boniface VIII asserted that the Pope held supreme authority over all Catholic realms, challenging kings like Philip IV's ability to tax clergy.

• Tensions escalated when Boniface threatened excommunication against Philip IV, who retaliated by having the Pope kidnapped; Boniface died shortly after his release.

The Avignon Papacy and Its Consequences

• Following Boniface's death, Philip arranged for a French Pope to be elected at Avignon, leading to perceptions that the papacy was under French control.

• The election of an Italian pope led to a schism as French Cardinals elected their own pope in Avignon, resulting in two competing popes known as the Great Schism.

Impact of the Great Schism on Church Authority

• The Great Schism severely damaged the Church's credibility as it struggled with internal divisions while failing to provide spiritual guidance during crises like the Black Death.

• Ordinary individuals began seeking spiritual direction outside traditional church structures; figures like Catherine of Siena emerged advocating for reform.

Social Upheaval and Changes in Warfare

• By 1453, Ottoman forces captured Constantinople, marking a significant shift in power dynamics as Islam replaced Christianity as dominant in that region.

• The fall of Constantinople symbolized not only a religious shift but also control over vital trade routes; mercenaries began undermining feudal loyalty structures.

Peasant Revolts and Shifts Toward Modernity

• Economic pressures from warfare and disease led serfs to demand freedom due to labor shortages; notable revolts included England’s Peasants Revolt (1381).

• Urban artisans also protested for better wages; movements like Florence’s Ciompi rebellion highlighted growing discontent among lower classes against nobility.

Changing Nature of Warfare

• Warfare transitioned from being fought for ethical or religious reasons towards personal fame or career advancement. A proverb summarized this unpredictability: "Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose."

The Impact of Zero-Sum Thinking and the Renaissance

The Perception of Life as a Zero-Sum Game

• The notion that life feels like a zero-sum game is highlighted through proverbs such as "The big fishes eat the smaller" and "Men are good so long as it saves their skin."

• This perspective suggests a competitive environment where individuals prioritize self-preservation over collective well-being.

• Despite this bleak outlook, there emerges a counter-narrative from various societal groups, including artists, philosophers, and architects.

• These thinkers contribute to what is recognized as Europe's Renaissance, indicating a period of cultural rebirth amidst adversity.

The Great Renaissance Cathedral of Florence

• The completion of the Great Renaissance Cathedral in Florence occurred before the end of the Hundred Years War, symbolizing progress during turbulent times.

• Florence is positioned as a central hub for this cultural revival, setting the stage for future discussions on its significance in European history.