GENERAL CURRICULUM TEST OBJECTIVE : 0008  Understand major developments and figures in world history.

• Demonstrate knowledge of major figures (e.g., Saladin), eras, developments, and turning points in world history with stress on Western civilization (e.g., the Middle Ages).

Even after Rome's decline, its impact was felt. A feudal system of power emerged where nobles rulled over peasants called serfs. Even within the noble class, there was a division of power with the less powerful pledging allegiance to the more powerful in exchange for military protection. Towns of peasants as well as individuals contracted with nobles for protection. Tradesmen formed groups called guilds to regulate price, quality, and quantity of goods produced. This system was dominate social and economic system throughout Europe in this period, also known as the Dark Ages. Great political instability marked the early centuries after Rome's fall. The emperor Charlesmagne (768-814 C.E.) ruled a fractured but large empire throughout Europe called the Holy Roman Empire. A period of military campaigns followed in the Middle Eastern region known as the Crusades. These were holy wars fought between Christians and Muslims who both had religious and economic motives.  The holy city of Jerusalem was captured first by the European Crusaders and later by the Muslims under the leader Saladin, King of Egypt and Syria. This control lasted until the 20th Century.

The Middle Ages is characterized as dark largely because of a decrease in the spread of knowledge, widespread illiteracy, and the spread of disease, most notably, the Black Plague. A desire for stability existed and the medieval view emphasized security and accepting one's current status in the larger society.

Resources:

http://www.learner.org/interactives/middleages/feudal.html

http://historymedren.about.com/video/Overview-of-The-Middle-Ages.htm

ftp://ftp.heritageacademies.com/ET/CurriculumCenter/NHAHistoryInteractive/Feudalism/manorvirtualtour.html

http://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages_feudal_system.php

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/history/ancient-medieval (Khan Academy: Ancient and Medieval History)