Grade 7, Lesson Outline: Chapter 12, Lesson 1

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Lesson at a Glance Outline

Chapter 12, Lesson 1: Europe at the End of the Middle Ages (pp. 310-315)

I. Europe in Crisis

A. From the mid to late 1300s, the plague swept through Europe, killing one-fourth to one-third of Europe's population.

B. Before the plague, famine had already weakened Europe.

C. Because of the labor shortage, wages rose, and strife between peasants and landlords caused feudal institutions to weaken.

II. Rise of Central Governments

B. Joan of Arc fought for the French during the Hundred Years' War.

C. The introduction of new technology during the Hundred Years' War changed the way wars were fought.

III. Trade and Commerce

B. A commercial class of merchants, bankers, shopkeepers, and artisans arose in the towns.

C. The Italians dominated European trade.

D. Freedom to work for one's self and the lure of making money changed the values of medieval society.

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