Module 12: The Rise of Western Europe and the Spread of Civilization

Before the medieval period, western Europe was one of the least sophisticated civilizations in the world. In fact, it was only by inserting itself into foreign trade networks that western Europe developed ties with the wider world. In turn, these ties served as the basis for the emergence of new ideas and technologies during the Middle Ages. Other than the development of new commercial connections, there were two other major characteristics that defined the medieval period in western Europe. The first was Christianity and the Catholic Church (as well as the official language of the Church, Latin). The second was feudalism. The expansion of Catholic Christianity and the feudal system had a profound impact on western Europe in the medieval era.

In this unit, we will study the Middle Ages as a period of widespread political, social, and religious upheaval. We will examine how western Europe began to evolve from a region of disparate and migratory ethnic groups to a more cohesive and sedentary people who shared the same religion and language.

Time Advisory

This unit will take you 13.5 hours to complete.

Section 12.1 Emergence of the Middle Ages: 4 hours
Section 12.2 Medieval Society and Culture: 7.5 hours
Section 12.3 The Medieval Church: 1.5 hours
Section 12.4 Module 12 Quiz: 0.5 hours

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Identify the causes, main events, and consequences of the fall of the Roman Empire.
Describe the causes, main characteristics, achievements, and legacies of the Carolingian Empire.
Assess the religious, political, and social role of the medieval Church, as well as the causes, main events, and consequences of the Crusades.
Describe causes, characteristics, and consequences of feudalism in medieval Europe.

Section 12.1 Emergence of the Middle Ages

Please read the entire article for an overview of the European Middle Ages.

The Middle Ages

Please read the entire text to get a sense of Charlemagne and his extensive Carolingian Empire.

The Life of Charlemange

Please read the whole lecture in order to get a sense of Charlemagne’s rule and the period known as the “Carolingian Renaissance.”

Charlemange and the Carolingian Renaissance

Question & Answer

Section 12.2 Medieval Society and Culture

Please read the entirety of the lecture in order to get a sense of the development and expansion of feudalism in western Europe.

Feudalism and the Feudal Relationship

Please read the entirety of the lecture in order to get a sense of the importance of the system of manorialism in western Europe.

European Agrarian Society: Manorialism

Please read the sections of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales entitled: “The General Prologue,” “The Knight’s Tale,” and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale.” Please complete the questions in the Study Guide (PDF). You can check your answers against the Responding Guide (PDF).

The General Prologue

The Knight's Tale

The Wife of Bath and her Tale

Study Guide for Canterbury Tales

Responding Guide for Canterbury Tales

Question & Answer

Section 12.3 The Medieval Church

Please read the entirety of the lecture in order to get a sense of the importance of monasticism in the early Church.

Early Medieval Monasticism

Please read the entirety of the lecture in order to get an overview of the various Crusades to the Holy Land.

The Holy Crusades

Please read the entirety of the lecture in order to get a sense of the medieval Church’s definition of and attitude toward “heresy.”

Heretics, Heresies and the Church

Question & Answer

Section 12.4 Quiz

Please take the assigned quiz and submit for grading. This quiz pertains to Chapter 15 of the textbook World Civilizations: The Global Experience, published by Pearson Education.

Module 12 Quiz