PPT created for Global History and Geography 9R on the Early Middle Ages in Western Europe

1. The Rise of Europe
The Early Middle Ages

3. Causes
• Fall of Rome in Western Europe  lack of
centralized power
• All that remains of Rome in the West is the
Catholic (Christian) Church.
• Invasions by groups like the Vikings 
peasants seeking protection from warriors 
rise of a warrior aristocracy
• Eventually kings will emerge and feudalism
will develop!

11. Document Questions
1. In this passage, who are the vassals and who
are the greater nobles?
2. What did John of Toul pledge to do if the
Count of Grandpere had a conflict with the
Count of Champagne?

12. Manorialism
• Peasants were serfs (bound to the land)
• System of mutual obligations
• It was hard to be a peasant

14. Document Question
1. Describe the main ideas of this illustration.
What does it show about serfdom?

16. Document Question
1. In what ways was the manor a self-sufficient
economic unit?

19. The Medieval Church
• The church provided order, stability and help
• Some people became monks and dedicated
themselves to serving others
• Gave hope that at least in Heaven things
would get better

23. Document Questions
1. For how many years is this agreement good?
2. What are some reasons that Ouede Ferconne
might want to buy Michael’s freedom after
two years?

25. Document Questions
1. What two positions are Londoners able to fill
with people of their choice?
2. What does the charter say about taxes?
3. What special rights do Londoners gain
through this charter?