Transformations in Western Europe at the end of the Middle Ages

European Studies

When most people hear about the Middle Ages, they will often think of: a knight fighting their enemies or various types of monarchies. While these are all certain elements of this time, there is much more to this point in history than many individuals realize. The reason why, is because this period served as a transition to modern society (after the downfall of the Roman Empire). As, this period was known: for lawlessness (i.e. The Dark Ages) and a reawakening of civilization (the Renaissance). Yet, beneath the surface there were changes that took place at the end of the Middle Ages that would have a major impact upon Western culture. To fully understand these shifts requires: examining the transformations that took place at the end of this frame. Once this occurs, it will provide the greatest insights, as to the underlying changes that took place. (Willner, 2008, pp. 176 -- 208)

Discuss the changes that took place in Western Europe at the end of the Middle Ages.

The end of the Middle Ages was: when significant changes would occur in society. This would have an impact upon: future innovations and new ideas that were being developed. At which point, many of these different ideas became a part of Western civilization and the basic ideals that many nations stand for. A few of the most notable changes that took place include: new forms of government were developed, trade was improved and the role that individuals will play in society evolved. (Willner, 2008, pp. 176 -- 208)

New Forms of Government

During the end of the Middle Ages new forms of government was quickly emerging one of the most significant include: monarchies. Monarchies first began to appear in a period of time known as the Dark Ages. This is when there was a complete breakdown in civilized society. As, the Roman Empire was being overrun by: different Germanic tribes. This had an impact on the way people were living, where they no longer could rely on protection from a strong central government. Instead, many individuals began to abandon the cities and move to the country side. This is because, they could forage off of the land and they could align themselves with wealthy landowners (who could provide protection). As, they had: their own army and the ability to forge alliance with the various lords. This had an impact upon the social order moving forward, with many of these wealthy land owners becoming the aristocracy. Those people, who were able to consolidate power over large areas, began to create their own nation states known as kingdoms. This is important, because it is showing how this new form of government was created out of the upheaval that was occurring during the Dark Ages. Over the course of time, this would become the social and political structure of many Western European nations. (Willner, 2008, pp. 255 -- 294)

The Role that the Individual will Play in Society

A third development of the Middle Ages, was that the individual is playing a vital role in: matters of government and society. This developed out of frustration that many people were feeling about the different monarchies. As, everyone was expected to follow: the various traditions and the laws that were imposed upon them by the nobility. This became problematic over the years, as this would turn into a sense of anger. At which point, many of these different monarchies faced direct challenges to their power. To address the needs of the general public, many of these governments gave: greater personal freedoms to everyone. Once this occurred, it meant that the individual would begin to have more of voice in: social issues and government policies. This is the point that there would be a dramatic change within: the social structure and the role of the individual in it. (Willner, 2008, pp. 255 -- 294)

A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than the Magna Carta. What happened was is King John of England was facing a direct challenge to his power from his subjects. This is because, they believed: that the high taxes that he was imposing, unsuccessful wars and ongoing dispute with the Pope were leading to increased amounts of stability. Given the fact that most people did not have any kind of voice in these matters, meant that a number of frustrations began to grow. This led directly to various coups and other plots against him. The problem began with the fact that there were: no other alternative forms of government available and John feared that a civil war could threaten the kingdom. To avoid these issues he began to negotiate with the people who were plotting against him, by agreeing to a number of different provisions including: protecting the rights of the individual against unreasonable arrests, searches / seizures and creating some form of due process of law. All of this was a part of an effort, to limit the power of the Crown and give more authority to the individual. This is significant, because one could effectively argue that the most dominate form of government (monarchies) was pushing to: change society and this structure. Where, everyone was given greater amounts of authority in matters of public affairs. While, the king was directly having his power challenged by the subjects he was suppose to protect. (Holt, 1992)

Clearly, the Middles Ages was an important time period in world history. This is because it served as a bridge, for some of: the ideas of ancient Rome with other time frames and making them a part of Western philosophy. However, this also meant that a shift would occur in a number of different areas to include: government, trade and in society itself. This is significant, because it would underscore a change that was taking place

As there was more of an emphasis on: the role that the individual would play in society and how to increase trade between the various nations. This would lead directly to: the formation of the Western democracy and free trade principals that were developed during the Renaissance period. Once this began to occur, it meant that a shift took place in: society and how they viewed the role that everyone was playing in it. When you put these different elements together, they are illustrating how the Middle Ages were: a period of time that marked radical changes from the ideas of the past.