Thursday, December 30, 2010

#6 Social Studies- The Hundred Years' War

In addition to the plague, a war of great duration also weakened the European economy during this time. In 1337, England held some of northern France as the result of a royal marriage. Conflict grew because of economic rivalries between the two countries. Finally, when King Edward III of England tried to claim the French throne, the Hundred Years' War broke out.


  After English victories, the winning commanders allowed their soldiers to pillage the French countryside. Further financial pressure was put on the French people by their king in order to pay debts. The peasants revolted under the stress of war, famine, and taxes. A peasant girl named Joan of Arc inspired them to fight with her against the English and to show loyalty for France. Her faith and patriotism helped lead the French troops to successfully beat back the enemy. Joan was eventually captured by the English and burned at the stake for heresy because she claimed she was instructed by heavenly voices.


The Renaissance 


Periods in the world history shift between times of great warfare and times of intellectual development. In the late Middle Ages, about A.D. 1400, Western Europe was becoming more stable, both politically and economically. Many wealthy Europeans were in positions of power. These wealthy nobles and merchants were able fund cultural pursuits such as music, art, and literature. This period of time is known as the Renaissance, from a French word meaning "rebirth." Not since the fall of the Roman Empire had there been such a revitalized interest in and support of arts, crafts, and architecture. The depression of the past several hundred years had ended. This was a time when wealthy patrons supported great French and Italian artists. Michelangelo created the sculpture of David; and other artists, such as Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael Sanzio completed their timeless masterpieces during the golden years of the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Great poets, writers, and inventors also flourished at this time.


  One invention that greatly advanced culture in Europe and eventually the world was the printing press. In the 1440s a German engraver, Johannes Gutenberg, created the first printing press that used movable pieces of type. Because the teachings of the Bible were a major influence upon most of Europe., it was only fitting that Gutenberg's first published book was the Bible. His invention started a revolution in printing, which made books available to all classes of people.

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