Changes in Medieval Society

Part A

1. Farmers began using a new type of harness that fitted across a horse’s chest.

Horses replaced oxen for plowing because horses can plow three times more than oxen

2. Using the three-field system, farmers began to grow crops on two-thirds of their land each year, rather than half. 

Using this increased the production of food

3. Merchant and craft guilds organize and change ways to do business.

By doing these more and better products become available

4. The Commercial Revolution changes to trade and banking practices.

Workers are paid for labor

5. As trade blossomed and farming methods improved, the population of western Europe Rose from around 30 million to about 42 million between 1000 and 1150. 

people move to the town 

6. As people left life on the manor for life in towns, they challenged the traditional ways of Feudal society in which every- one had a place-middle class

7. The authors began writing in the vernacular.

Literature was available for common people

8. Growing trade and growing cities brought a new interest in learning. 

 The university was created

9.  Christian scholars from Europe visited Muslim libraries in Spain, and Jewish scholars translated Arabic copies of Greek writings into Latin. 

Europeans acquire knowledge like science, philosophy, mathematics, and law

TERMS & NAMES  three-field system- a regime of crop rotation that was used in medieval and early-modern Europe guild- an association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft/trade in a particular area. Commercial Revolution- consisted of the creation of a European economy based on trade, which began in the 11th century and lasted until it was succeeded by the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century. burgher- was a rank or title of a privileged citizen of medieval towns in early modern Europe vernacular- is the speech variety used in everyday life by the general population in a geographical or social territory Thomas Aquinas- as an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church scholastics- is a Medieval school of philosophy MAIN IDEAS 2. How did medieval society change between 1000 and 1500? Describe the major changes that occurred during the 500 year period. *Minimum one-paragraph response. Medieval society changed between 1000 and 1500 greatly. Major changes that occurred during the 500 year period are switch to horsepower, the three-field system, and guilds. 3. How did guilds influence business practices in medieval towns? Guilds set standards for the utility of work, wages, and working conditions.4. How were Muslim scholars linked to the revival of learning in Europe?  Christian scholars began visiting Muslim libraries in Spain. 5. In what ways did burghers expand their freedom from landlords?  They organized themselves and demanded privileges.