Introduction:
In 1066 AD, the
Normans who came from French started ruling England when William the Conqueror
of Normandy defeated the last King of Anglo-Saxons at the battle of Hastings.
They imposed their language as official language rather than the Old English. Latin
and French were the two dominant languages in that time. Latin was the medium
of instruction at the universities of Cambridge and Oxford. The Middle English
period has been divided in to three sub-periods i.e. The Anglo Norman Period:
(1066- 1340) AD, The Age of Chaucer: (1340-1400) AD, and The Barren Period:
(1400-1500) AD.
Main Historical Events
of the Middle Ages:
In the Middle Ages or Anglo-Norman
Period many historical events took place, some of the most important events are
discussed here.
The Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is a
very important paper from a long time ago in England. It was made in 1215 by
King John because some of the powerful people in the country were unhappy with
him. The paper said that even the king had to follow certain rules and couldn't
do whatever he wanted. It also gave some rights to rich people, like having a
fair trial and not being put in jail without a good reason. The Magna Carta is
special because it helped start the idea that everyone, even kings, should obey
the law.
Establishment of Oxford and Cambridge Universities
Oxford University began around the end of the 11th century, almost a thousand years ago. It started when people who wanted to learn and teach came together in Oxford. Cambridge University came a bit later, in the early 13th century, about 800 years ago. Some teachers from Oxford had a disagreement, so they left and made their own university in Cambridge. Both places grew over time, adding more buildings and attracting more students. Today, they're both really famous and respected for being excellent places to study.
Establishment of the English Parliament
The English Parliament began as a group of important religious leaders and nobles who gave advice to the king. During the rule of King Henry III, these gatherings started being called Parliaments. At that time, the king needed Parliament's agreement before he could collect taxes.
The Historical
Crusade war
The Crusades were
wars fought by Christians in response to Muslim expansion. They aimed to stop
Islam from spreading and to regain control of holy places. People joined the
Crusades to seek forgiveness for their sins.
Reasons for the
Crusades:
- Stop the spread of Islam
- Retake control of holy sites
- Conquer pagan territories
- Reclaim lands previously held by Christians
The Crusades lasted
from the late 11th to the late 13th century, with numerous expeditions to the
Holy Land, Spain, and even the Baltic region. They continued for centuries
afterward, mainly to slow Muslim power or conquer non-Christian areas.
Hundred Years’ War
The Hundred Years' War was a long fight between England and France that lasted from 1337 to 1453. It started because English kings wanted to rule parts of France and claimed the French throne. This war had important battles like Crécy, Poitiers, and Orléans. It changed both countries a lot, affecting politics, society, and the economy. It also ended the feudal system and helped nationalism grow.
The Black Death
During the time of the
Anglo-Norman rule in England, there was a terrible disease called the Plague,
also known as the Black Death. It was caused by a germ called Yersinia pestis.
This sickness arrived in England in 1348 and spread really fast. It caused a
lot of people to die - about one-third of the population. This made it hard for
people to find workers, especially for farming. It also made life very tough
for those who survived because they lost family and friends. This disease also
made people question their beliefs in religion and why such a terrible thing
was happening.
Peasants’ Revolt
The Peasants' Revolt happened in England in 1381 during the Anglo-Norman period. It was when a lot of poor farmers and workers rebelled against the unfair rules and high taxes set by the rich and powerful people. Led by figures like Wat Tyler and John Ball, they marched to London to demand fair treatment and an end to slavery-like conditions. Even though the rebellion was put down and its leaders were punished, it made a big impact on English society and helped to change some unfair rules over time.
Invention and Establishment
of Printing Press
Johannes Gutenberg, a German artisan and
printer, is renowned for his invention of the printing press around 1440. This
breakthrough transformed the production of books and printed materials by
introducing movable type printing to Europe. Gutenberg's innovation
significantly lowered the cost and increased the accessibility of books,
playing a pivotal role in the dissemination of knowledge during the Renaissance
era.
In England, William Caxton, a merchant, diplomat, and writer, played a pivotal role in bringing the printing press to prominence during the late 15th century. After encountering the printing press in Bruges, Belgium, Caxton established the first printing press in Westminster around 1476. He began translating and printing various texts, including literary works and religious documents, contributing to the popularization of the printing press in England. Caxton's efforts were instrumental in enhancing literacy and expanding access to information during the Renaissance period. Notably, his publication of Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" in 1476 showcased the capabilities of the printing press while preserving Chaucer's work for future generations.
The Discovery of America
Christopher Columbus, an explorer from Italy, is known for finding America in 1492. He sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, hoping to reach Asia with the support of Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Instead, he landed on islands in the Caribbean, naming one San Salvador. This marked the start of Europeans exploring and settling in the Americas.
According to History.com, Columbus's journey brought new chances for trade, growth, and sharing between Europe and the native people of the Americas. Even though people debate Columbus's impact and the problems from European settlement, his discovery is still a big moment in history that changed how the world connects.
References:
- "Parliament of England." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Feb. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parliament_of_England.
- Encyclopædia Britannica. "The Crusades." Encyclopædia Britannica Online.
- Encyclopædia Britannica. "Hundred Years' War." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/event/Hundred-Years-War.
- Encyclopædia Britannica. "Black Death." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/event/Black-Death.
- Dobson, R. B. "Peasants' Revolt." In The Oxford Companion to British History, edited by John Cannon, 373-374. Oxford University Press, 2009.
- "Johannes Gutenberg." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 25 Jan. 2022, www.britannica.com/biography/Johannes-Gutenberg.
- "William Caxton." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 14 Dec. 2021, www.britannica.com/biography/William-Caxton.
- "Christopher Columbus." History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2009, www.history.com/topics/exploration/christopher-columbus.