Third Test Flashcards
The Great Famine
1315-1317. The previously warm and favorable climate gave way to the “little ice age” which reversed european farming’s expansion into marginal areas recently claimed. With a population around 75 million, Europe’s ability to support expansion in population was reaching its maximum, with land being more and more divided between sons and grandsons. This scarcity caused food land land princes to increase by up to 500%. Nobles fighting in ever greater wars demanded more and more taxes, which put great hardship on the peasant populace. The famine itself was three years of crop failures and a cow disease, the food shortage caused Europe’s population to drop by ~10%, a damaging but not catastrophic change which preluded the Black Death.
The Black Death
Plague that ravaged Europe starting 1347. A form of the Y. Pestis disease spread along newly-opened trading routes with the East, through the Silk Road and mediterranean ports. Initial wave spread across Europe, killing up to half of the population. Kept coming back in waves for the next few centuries. Caused enormous societal changes, a huge setback after centuries of growth. Introduced to European culture an obsession/focus with death. Many attempts to explain it, God poising the atmosphere (causing surges of penance) and blaming Jews. Drastic reduction in labor force lead to workers having more value, and conflict when lords expected the same productivity. The black death was a huge catastrophe that affected every level of European society.
The Jacquerie
A decade after the black death, 1358 peasant uprising in France. Related to the 100s years war and the societal changes after the black death. With half the population of before, peasants were more valuable and thus expected more power: was not given, nobles expected the system to last as it had before. The jacquerie was a rural peasant uprising, by farmers. Was extremely disorganized, was a angry outburst of violence against nobles. No clear aims. Put down ruthlessly, unsuccessful. Though a far cry from a democratic uprising, showed upset in balance of power in feudal Europe after the black death.
The Ciompi Revolt
A revolt by woolworkers in Florence in 1378. Uprising against the nobles that ran the 14th century factories. Unlike the Jacquerie, was an urban revolt. After nobles repressed their wages, peasants revolted, demanding a “guild” like other craftsmen enjoyed, not unlike a union today. They also wanted a place in the commune town government. Rampaged throughout florence, violence against nobles. Briefly won concessions, but later when nobles had regrouped they put it down hard. no winning in the end, but showed early fair-labor yearnings.
The Peasant’s Revolt
1381 England.
The Military Revolution
Technological and societal revolution in Europe c. X century. Amid a society that invented positive things such as eyeglasses, buttons, clocks, and wider use of paper. As european society adapted to these innovations, the greatest advances were in war-making technology. The crossbow and trebuchet were joined by early firearms, which sparked two arms races. First, between knights’ armor and guns, and then between castles and cannons. Gunpowder ended up winning. Changed the nature of warfare in Europe from a few elite knights to as many men with as many guns as possible. Example was sack of constantinople in 1453 using huge-ass cannons. Led to modern armies and military institutions.
100 Years War
1337-1453. Series of conflicts between France and England. Caused by continuing issues of English possessions in France (Gascony, Flanders) and requirement of English king to pay homage to them; and French nobles’ rejection of succession Edward III of England to the French throne. Edward invaded France, had great success for first three quarters of war. Hallmark of war was lesser numbers of English fighters winning against french knights with longbows. Happened at Crecy (1346), Poitiers, and Agincourt. As a war of French vs England, instead of wars of kings versus nobles. Gave rise to nationalist ideas. War ended with French victory, re-establishing strong power of French king, ending English chances of taking france. Heralded end of mounted knight being important in warfare.
Edward III of England
King of England r1327-1377. When Charles 4 of France died without heirs, he, as nephew of king, was in line for throne. French nobles rejected this and made up a law that said you can’t inherit through women. After being OK with it for a while dealing with problems at home, he invaded France, sparking the Hundred Year’s War. At first he met great success in the war. Was king during the Black Death.
Joan of Arc
French peasant, year 1412-1431. Claiming to hear the voices of saints, she went to the king and asked for an army to lift the siege of Orleans. Inspired by the context of other holy women at the time, the king does this and she successfully leads french raid that lifts the siege. Then, raids through English-controlled territory to have the king crowned in Reims. Captured at Siege of Paris, left to die by Charles and burned at the stake. Later found innocent by the church. Her appearance marked a dramatic change in the fortunes of the war and she became an immensely popular icon in France.
Geoffrey Chaucer
1343-1400. English author, famous writer of the Canterbury Tales. First great english author. Started as a page in Edward III’s son’s wife’s court, worked way up to household of John of gaunt. Was kind of ambassador, went to italy 1372. Captured and fought in 100 yrs war. Very much a product of times. Wrote of people traveling to canterbury england to see Thomas becket- very english work.
Shows developing english society.
Christine of Pizan
1364-1436. French author. Born in Italy, came to court of Charles V. Her father was working for the king, she gets married to the king’s secretary; putting her close to royal authority. However, king, and her father and husband all die. Becomes first professional female author. Wrote “Book of the City of Ladies”- a somewhat feminist work, giving her a reputation along with her joan of arc bio. Also wrote about french politics, military tactics, etc. important because she was a very early feminist.
Pope Boniface VIII
Pope r1294-1303. Rival of King Phillip 4, who broke long tradition of french monarchies allied with popes. Strong figure, ruled at peak of papal monarchy. Firm man trained in canon law who believed that church should be head of European polity. Battled with Phil 4 over who controls the revenue from the church, an issue growing out of investiture controversy. Up until now, kings only taxed church for holy purposes (crusades) but phil wanted to all the time. Tried to call a council, french churchmen don’t boycott it. Phil’s men arrest him, he is rescued by townspeople but dies two weeks later. His reign showed the breakdown in relationship between french king and pope.
Avignon Papacy
Starting with Clement V (formerly archbishop of Bordeaux) is elected pope to make up between papacy and french king. He stayed in avignon, never getting around go going to france. Lasted 1305-1377: all Popes strongly associated with southern France. They always had reasons to not go back- rome too rowdy/unsafe. Papacy never officially meant to stay in avignon but they moved archives. Italians saw it as “babylonian captivity”. Lead to great schism when one pope did go back. Seen as a reason for god’s wrath-hardship of 14th century. Showed close relationship between popes and southern france and divisions in Europe.
Great Schism
1378-1417. 40 years of having two popes. Unlike Kings and Emperors who had previously appointed antipopes, Europe was roughly evenly divided between the two. Avignon Pope Greg 11 goes back to Rome, dies immediately, Cardinals in rome choose urban 6 influenced by roman crowd who demanded an italian pope. Urb6 quickly proves to be a bad choice, high-handed and arrogant. They elect Clement 7 who returns to Avignon- two popes! Supporters for each, each has own bureaucracy. Showed period of instability and loss of power for popes, no one knew who the pope really was.
Conciliar Movement
Early 15th Century. A group of people that desired to end great schism. Huge amount of inertia, secular pols invested in them and both popes wanted to keep power. First step was the Council of Pisa, 1409, elects a THIRD pope when the others refused to step down. The second was the council of constance 1415-1419. Kicked out Pisa pope, Roman pope stepped down but legitimized the council, Avignon pope exiled to avignon but never officially gave up, fleeing to N spain. Martin V is elected, promising to hold councils after 5, 7 9 years. Up until now, pope of power had been unchecked, council was constitutional check. In order to not do this he gives back secular power to kings in order to stave off councils. Resulted in loss of papal power but resolution of great schism.
Catherine of Siena
ca 1347-1380. From Siena in italy. Was a dominican tertiary, a layperson associated with dominicans. Had visions, passing out for an hour at a time. Had a political goal: get pope back to rome. When Greg 11 returned, he cited her as a reason. Part of a trend of medieval women inspired by god: JOAN OF ARC. It was like, women are uneducated, how could she know stuff without divine inspiration? Later declared doctor of church- depicted self flagellating with jesus on cross, to be one with jesus.
John Wycliffe
1330-1384. English Oxford professor. Was a boring theologian type. Series of arguments lead to attacking of church practices. Was a “realist”- belief that there was a true scripture in god’s head and a true church. Criticized IRL church for not living up to standards. Believed church should give up land, power. Had some following of secular English nobles (who wanted church lands). Though forgotten in the chaos of great schism, his followers (lollards) later persecuted. His ideas moved to Bohemia, due to current links between Bohemia and England (King’s wife and Oxford something), inspiring…
Jan Hus
A university man, c1410. Protested indulgences, asked who controls the treasury of merit? Preached in Czech, unlike german-dominated HRE that Bohemia was part of. Excommunicated 1412, burned at state in 1414. Though given safe conduct by the Emperor to the council of Constanze, argued down and burned at stake. Was a respected, famous man. He started the hussite group in bohemia, which the Chuch tried to suppress for a LONG TIME. Key crack in the unity of the catholic church. Important precursor to protestant reformation.
Dante
c1265-1321. Italian author, wrote in Italian vernacular language. Wrote famous work “the Divine Comedy”, a work detailing Dante’s travels through the afterlife. Travels through Inferno, Purgatorio, Heaven. 7 Circles of each. In Italian Renaissance style, work is imbued with Classical themes, ideas and references. Dante is guided by the great roman poet Virgil and meets a number of real people as characters. Great poem in italian vernacular was an important aspect of renaissance.
Petrarch
1304-1337. Francesco Petrarcha. Leading Italian author, wrote letters, poems. Obsessed with the time he was in and his place in it. His father was exiled from florence, grew up in avignon, educated at U montpeiller and U bologna. Seeing the problems of 14th century europe (black death, famine, etc) he hated the era that he lived in. Longed for relationship with Ancient Romans. Wrote letters to dead people: Cicero, Virgil, St Augustine, telling them how he longed for their times, literally imagining himself as part of them. Wrote a letter to posterity which in a falsely modest style spoke of his place in his current era and hope for rebirth. Petrarch’s views about the Middle Ages, Classical Antiquity and the Renaissance shaped our modern views about these things.
Machiavelli
1469-1527. Italian author whose most famous work is “The Prince.” Written to describe Machiavelli’s ideal leader. Had similar ideas to Petrarch’s about hiding in the courts and ideas and the past. From a well off but not aristocratic background. After Medicis were expelled from Florence, joined Florentine government in 1498, while Dominican Savanrola was in charge. Had power and influence in Florence, was diplomat to HRE and head of Florentine war council. When Medicis came back into power, they imprisoned and tortured him. Released as part of goodwill gesture when Leo X elected pope. Started writing the prince while in exile at his farm outside of Florence to win back favor and power in Florence. Had a prime position to view principality and republican statecraft in early 16th century Italy. He wrote about machinations of power that he saw, his works were so insightful they’re still used today and provide a crucial insight into It ren worldview.
Humanism
Renaissance learning ideal. Not a belief in the greatness of humanity, or their specialness. In fact, artistic fascination with humanity and human form dates back centuries. Emphasized Classical learning, the greek and roman languages. Descends from Petrarch’s worship of the classical age and hatred of contemporary age. Rejected Medieval logical approach exemplified Sic et Non. Rhetoric and writing of Cicero was studied- to convince oligarchic councils of Renaissance italy.
The Medici Family
Most important family in Renaissance Florence. A quintessential Renaissance family. Originally doctors judging by their name, by the 15th century was one of the leading banking family in Europe. Ran 16 banking houses across Europe. Notable family members include Giovanni, d1429, Cosimo d1464. Survived various conspiracies and after 1434, became the power behind the scenes in the city of Florence. Though expelled from the city from 1494 to 1512, they come back into power and after this their luitenant Machiavelli wrote The Prince. Patronized art to glorify themselves, often requiring artists in contracts to insert them into Biblical scenes. Greatest member was Lorenzo the Magnificent d1492.
Cosimo de Medici
d1464.Member of the Medici family of 15th century florence. The Medicis were a leading family of the Italian renaissance. Huge banking family that patronized self-glorifying art. Leader of the family when they survived the Albizzi conspiracy which temporarily removed them from power. Claiming that the Medicis were too powerful for the Florence republic. A short time later, the Medicis came back into power as the main power behind the scenes in Florence. Cosimo read them.
