Changes In Western Europe During The High Middle Ages

Western Europe, in our modern society, is seemingly more advanced than most of the world today. It’s political structure, economy, and technological advances are up to par with some of the best in the world and is seen as a stable society. Although, in 600 A.D., Europe was the complete opposite. Europe struggled with modernization of even the simplest forms such as, sanitation, education, and economic structure. This period of history known for the deterioration of Western Europe’s culture was known as the Dark Ages (600-1200). The 1200’s brought a new hope for Western Europe. Known as the High Middle Ages and the Renaissance it was a time of arts, intellect, and new powers emerging. The most dramatic changes that occurred between the two periods were within
Europeans had a blinding belief in religion to the point where the church used it to manipulate the people. Whatever the church said goes, they would claim it was God’s will. It even had authority over the king. The church used God’s influence to make the ruler do their bidding, and if requirements weren’t met they could threaten the ruler by saying God no longer wants them to rule. The church’s power during this period created a social structure where the pope was above the king. The overwhelming power of the church continued for another 600 years until the Renaissance began. As people began to get smarter they noted the church wasn’t always correct on everything they claimed. While the church still kept a strong influence over the people it did lose some of its hold. True change, whereas the king has the most power, doesn’t occur until after the Renaissance in the 1500’s. Kings also took advantage of the church by using the fact that God appointed the king. By doing so, kings gained power because they are God’s chosen one. This allowed kings to control aspects like taxes, giving them more jurisdiction in the