western civ compared&continuities
TRANSCRIPT
The West 600-1500
What is the West anyway?
The WEST or Western Civilization refers to Western Europe and then later will include the
United States.
Western Europe
Compared with Byzantine, Chinese, and Islamic Empire
In Western Europe . . .• There was less political
unity and more competition between regions – More militarized– Is competition good?
In Western Europe . . .
• The political rulers were weaker – – The Church and warrior-
elite class challenged their power
In Western Europe . . .
• The cities were more independent and powerful– Merchants had more freedom
• There was more separation between political and religious life
• There was a strong emphasis on human REASON in academics– Aristotle and Greek rationality were
emphasized
In Western Europe . . .
• Women had higher status– Monogamy– Female religious
orders– No veiling nor
seclusion
CONTINUITIES – W European characteristics that continued past the
1400s• Crusading element of European
expansion• Military conflicts between European
territories• Emphasis on reason• Split in Christianity• Separation of religious and political
authority
European Technology (borrowed from)
• Iron horseshoes & horse collar (China)• Cross-bow (Arab)• Gunpowder (China)• Magnetic compass (China & Arab)• Lateen sail (Arab)• Paper (China)
Also . . . • Heavy wheeled plow• Crop rotation (3 field system)• Water mills and engineering power