Lesson 5: The Late Middle Ages

Key Idea

In the mid-1300s, a terrible plague known as the Black Death traveled from Asia and swept across Europe. The disease spread quickly, killing millions and causing a massive drop in the continent's population.

This huge loss of life created a shortage of workers. Surviving peasants and artisans found they could demand higher wages for their labor, giving them new economic power.

Key Idea

In the 14th century, the authority of the Catholic Church faced a major crisis beginning with the Avignon Papacy, a period when the pope resided in Avignon, France, under the influence of the French king. This move from Rome damaged the papacy's prestige, as many Europeans viewed the pope as a political pawn rather than an independent spiritual leader.

The situation worsened when the papacy returned to Rome, leading to a disputed election that created two rival popes—one in Rome and one back in Avignon. This split, known as the Great Schism, divided Europe along political lines. For nearly four decades, European Christians were confused and dismayed as competing popes excommunicated each other and vied for legitimacy.

Key Idea

England and France fought for over a century in the Hundred Years' War. The long conflict began as a struggle over who would rule valuable French territory.

New military technology, like the powerful English longbow, changed how battles were fought. Later in the war, a young peasant girl named Joan of Arc rallied the French army and led them to major victories, turning the tide of the war.

Key Idea

For centuries, Christian kingdoms on the Iberian Peninsula fought to take back territory from Muslim rulers. This long campaign was known as the Reconquista, or "reconquest."

The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella united two powerful Christian kingdoms, creating the foundation for modern Spain. In 1492, their forces captured Granada, the last Muslim-held city on the peninsula, completing the Reconquista.