The Later Middle Ages

A detailed Summary of The Later Middle Ages


ESSAY ON THE LATER MIDDLE AGES (1300~1500)

The Later Middle Ages is characterized as being a time of overwhelming hardships, catastrophes and struggles. Both natural disasters and man-made ones seemed to strike constantly and relentlessly. What progress was made during this time is seen as less then previously or since; though not entirely non-existent. However, it should be remembered that humans have a habit of remembering the "bad" times and forgetting the "good". Professor Webber also brought out the fact; in his first tape called "Common Life in the Middle Ages" that "If cats could write history their history would be mostly about cats." He related this to the fact that until the 14th century, the common man did not have the resources or learning to read or write. So I feel, that while the major catastrophes and hardships are well documented, what progress was made by common people of the times is not well chronicled. I don't doubt that if a common person was asked about the time he would point out that I didn't have to live then, and offer to switch places with me.

However, if you take a few steps back and see the larger picture you would find that this time period is a perfect human example of the scientific premise


But the "reaction" was just as major and all-encompassing and not only effected but involve the common people. Economically, socially, religiously and philisophically, changes started to happen which would forever alter the way people lived.

Three inventions of the times were responsible for most of the amazing changes taking place. The mechanical clock, movable type printers and gunpowder all played a major role in the "reaction" of the time.

The major destructive events create a long list of violent actions by both man and nature and in general they all seemed to be directed towards the common people. Nature struck with the "Black Death" which began in 1347 with periodic outbreaks for the next 100 years, and in 1315 major floods occurred throughout western Europe. Even the weather changed becoming colder and wetter causing crop failures and famines throughout this time. Constant warfare ensued outwards towards other lands as in The Hundred Years War (1337~1453), between France and England, and The Capture of Constantinople (1453) by Ottoman Turks. Inward the incessent fighting of the feudal lords and kings, for instance the political chaos in Germany (c. 1350~c.1450) and The War of the Roses (1455~1485) caused as much hardship and upheavel as the outward wars. Even God got involv

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Approximate Word count = 875
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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