5. In Western Europe . . .
• There was less political
unity and more
competition between
regions
– More militarized
– Is competition good?
6. In Western Europe . . .
• The political rulers were
weaker –
– The Church and warrior-
elite class challenged
their power
7. In Western Europe . . .
• The cities were more independent and
powerful
– Merchants had more freedom
• There was more separation between
political and religious life
• There was a strong emphasis on
human REASON in academics
– Aristotle and Greek rationality were
emphasized
8. In Western Europe
. . .
• Women had
higher status
– Monogamy
– Female religious
orders
– No veiling nor
seclusion
9. CONTINUITIES – W European
characteristics that continued past the
1400s
• Crusading element of European
expansion
• Military conflicts between European
territories
• Emphasis on reason
• Split in Christianity
• Separation of religious and political
authority
10. European Technology (borrowed from)
• Iron horseshoes & horse collar (China)
• Cross-bow (Arab)
• Gunpowder (China)
• Magnetic compass (China & Arab)
• Lateen sail (Arab)
• Paper (China)
11. Also . . .
• Heavy wheeled plow
• Crop rotation (3 field system)
• Water mills and engineering power