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European History 1 The period of national renaissance in Medieval Europe is closely connected with the discovery of individual. Long-term historical changes contributed to rise of new individuals the individuals who were well brought-up and well educated. 1) Plenty of well-educated people created numerous preconditions to blossom of medieval culture. For example, William Caxton (1422 - 1491) was the first English book printer. He was the first who printed the whole library of national writers and poets as well as several French and Latin translations. The development of book-printing caused not only increase of quantity of readers. 2) The new atmosphere was partially caused by constantly increasing quantity of well-educated people. People started to raise crucial questions related to structure of the church and government and criticized old feudal system because of its low profitability.
In such a way, the books shaped ideology and philosophy of medieval readers. Literary style no longer existed as the result of personal understanding and intercommunication between the reader (author) and the audience. Literature became generalized and standardized prerequisite for mutual understanding between the author and circle of readers. Moralistic literature flourished, probably, due to influence of religious reformer D. Wycliffe (1330 1384). There were different kinds of literature in form of detailed outline of world history (Cursor Mundi), interpretations of church doctrines (i.
e. R. Manning's Handling Since), reflections on themes of human misdeeds (for example, the work written by Chaucer's friend D. Gower Le Minor d'l'Homme). Piers Plowman's creator, William Langland, lived in London, and his works were read by merchants; the Robin Hood play was acted annually by townspeople in fifteenth-century Exeter and Reading. 3) The development of book-printing caused not only increase of quantity of readers. Quantity of people buying books (the buyers) was also constantly increasing and had influence on economic growth of countries.
Education went hand in hand with the book printing and had great impact on the development not only literature and culture in particular but the society in general. The technology of printing went so far that by 1480 approximately 110 European cities had their own newspapers. Although the major part of printed books was related to religion, there were plenty of educational and entertainment literature. According to historians, there were more than 200, 000 numerous books printed by 1500, including various editions and series of books. All these facts allow us speaking about the discovery of the individual in the period between 1000 CE and 1400 CE. 2 The Middle Ages, covering the period from the late 1000 s to the early 1450 s, are often directly associated with the period of increasingly centralized power. William I (The Conqueror) 1066 1087 also made significant efforts to strengthen royal justice and to centralize power.
He was known for introduction of Church courts and trials, the attempt to combine the Roman and Norman law to shape the legal framework. The policy of taxation and conquest were strengths of the king. The Domesday Book (1086) was issued by William to provide a basis for taxation. This book was the most comprehensive and important survey of feudal estates.
During the period of development and establishment of feudal power, the emperor of Roman Empire and other feudalist's preferred to grant the lands to bishops because the church leaders were not able to claim for dynasty. No wonder that after a short period of time bishops and priests became not only powerful religious leaders, but also powerful land lords. The bishops were mainly elected not for their religious activity, but for their administrative abilities and the desire to obey the sovereign. Religious leaders were often rarely related to church affairs.
These facts resulted in necessity of reform. Yet, the feudal system, which allowed the governors to control bishops and priests made the reform to be a difficult task. The reforms of 11 century had the aim of spiritual renaissance of clergy. On the other hand, the reformers realized that they will succeed only if they are able to abolish the practice of involvement of clergy in business activity. The reform of Catholic Church reached its culmination point during the pontificate of Gregory VII (1073 - 1085). Gregory VII wanted to get the Church out of control of government.
To reach this aim, Gregory VII undertook measures, which contributed to centralization of Church power. He renewed the practice of appointment of temporary and standing legates. Besides, he often gathered the ecumenical councils in Rome. He also undertook measures to widen the borders of jurisdiction of Pope in religious issues.
In 1122 the emperor Enrich V issued regulation regarding the secular investitures. This compromise agreement recognized the double position of bishops and allowed the governor to grant the bishops with secular power. During 12 - 13 centuries the Church became very influential. The next step to centralization of power was the limitation of bishops power. Besides, the Pope was also able to excommunicate and to sanctuaries the people. The establishment of Pope Inquisition (12 - 13 c) also contributed to Popes centralization of power.
The creation of Dominican and Franciscan cloistered orders also was the step to centralization as the members of these orders were subordinated only to Pope. 3 Let me start by saying that the middle Ages represent the period during which Europe was forced to undergo major economic, political, cultural and religious changes contributed both to further development of European countries. Lets examine the main changes to support the thesis. - Economic changes. First of all, this period was known for agricultural revolution in 1050 CE, which contributed to economic growth and cultural development of European countries. Towns became small and independent stronghold governments surrounded by thick blank walls. Towns were able to levy of taxes, to command their own small fleet and to create artisan and merchant guilds independent of feudal lords.
The kings in France and England began the process of centralizing (William the Conqueror in 1066 and John 1 (known for Magna Charta) in 1215). Johns Magna Charta was the first document that proclaimed principles, which lay the basis of our modern comprehension of human rights. This document guaranteed personal security of individual and his property. Among other important issues there was one concerned with taxes. According to this declaration, taxes could be collected exceptionally with the common consent of the Royal Council. - Political changes. Although we cannot claim that Parliament (1272 CE) directly contributed to the process of modernization, it created necessary preconditions for economic development of Europe.
All social classes considered the Parliament to be an integral part of governmental system. All serious political and economic issues were solved with the Parliaments help. - Changes in religion. Church reforms, the centralization of Popes power, as well as new conception of Church, created by Gregory VII in 1073 contributed to a papal monarchy with power over the secular state. - Cultural changes. The period of intellectual renaissance (1200 CE), transformation of cathedral schools and the growth of literacy among the people also played an important role in medieval history. All these events present us the evidence that the whole medieval period did create necessary prerequisites for further process modernization. This period put an end to ancient times and has become a turning point in the European history.
European countries became powerful and mighty. The king with its ideals had great impact on future development of European countries. The whole period in general created the necessary prerequisites for further process modernization. In such a way, taking into account all the arguments, we agree that Middle Ages contributed to economic growth and further cultural development of European countries. Bibliography C. Warren Hollister. (October 4, 2001).
Medieval Europe: A Short History. McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages; 9 edition. ISBN: 0072346574
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