Medieval Europe: Crisis, War, and Gothic Art

Consequences of the Crisis

1. This was a period of serious political tension. Warlords led the pillaging and made the distribution of goods precarious. Armies often burned the land of their enemies so they would go hungry.

2. Bad harvests and grain shortages resulted in famine.

3. Malnutrition weakened the population and enabled epidemics to emerge. These developed more easily in the cities, as the sanitary conditions there were worse.

4. The bubonic plague, also known as the Black Death, spread through Europe between 1348 and 1350. It took the lives of approximately 50% of Europe's population.

5. Social unrest. Economic crisis and population decline had consequences for society: social differences increased, there was a general climate of insecurity and violence; lack of labor caused a decrease in agricultural production, lords raised the taxes, and there were violent peasant revolts throughout Europe; fear and hysteria resulted in attacks on Jewish areas.

The Hundred Years' War

• It was a conflict between England and France from 1337 to 1453.

• This occurred because England held territory that was theoretically under French sovereignty.

• In 1309, the seat of the papacy was transferred to Avignon (France), where it was under the influence of the French monarchy. As a result, many believed that the obligation of the pope was to return to Italy.

• In 1377, the pope and cardinals returned to Rome. The pontiff died the next year, and people forced the cardinals to elect a pope. A number of cardinals decided that the election was not valid and appointed a second pope who returned to Avignon.

• The pope of Rome was recognized in Germany, England, Portugal, and part of Italy.

• The pope of Avignon was recognized in France, Castile, Aragon, and Naples.

• Finally, the conflict ended in 1417 when a new pope was chosen.

The Art of the Cities

• Romanesque was replaced by a new style, Gothic, which developed between the 13th and 15th centuries.

Main Gothic Architectural Elements

• Pointed arches (ogival arches) replaced the semicircular arches used by the Romanesque style, adding a greater sense of height.

• Ribbed vaults are formed by two pointed arches that cross.

• Flying buttresses

• Stained glass windows

Translation of some words:

Warehouse = almacén. City hall = ayuntamiento. Crafts workshop = talleres. City gates = puertas de entrada