Ch 12: High Middle Ages Overview
About This Chapter
High Middle Ages Overview - Chapter Summary
The lessons in this chapter cover the impact of major events on Western culture during the High Middle Ages. From heresies and inquisitions to guilds and charters, our overview will help you better understand the changes that took place during this period.
By the end of this chapter, you'll become familiar with the power struggles of the High Middle Ages and the documents that tried to limit the power of government and church leaders. You'll also have a better grasp of the conflicts between religion and government, the power dynamics within the Holy Roman Empire and more.
After you complete the chapter, you should be able to:
- Explore how the Church dealt with heresies during the High Middle Ages
- Understand early attempts to limit the power of leaders through documents such as the Magna Carta and Constitutions of Clarendon
- Describe the development and importance of guilds
- Detail the contributions of the Mongolians to Western civilization
- Examine the daily struggles and harsh lifestyles of English peasants
- Identify the reasons for fighting between the papacy and several European powers over the Holy Roman Empire
Each lesson in this chapter includes an interactive quiz to help you retain more information and measure your progress. Short, engaging videos illustrate important ideas. You can even jump to specific topics within a video using the timeline feature. With brief, focused lessons, you can learn at your own pace, at home or on your mobile device.
1. Heresies and Inquisitions in the High Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages the term heresy referred to religious beliefs that were in disagreement with an established Christian doctrine. This lesson explores the often violent results of the growing popularity of heretical beliefs in the High Middle Ages.
2. The Magna Carta & The Constitutions of Clarendon: Definition & Significance
In the High Middle Ages, rulers fought for supreme power. This lesson explores two of the earliest documents to limit power of an authority figure, whether it was the pope or a king.
3. Charter of the Forest and the Provisions of Oxford: Definition & Significance
In the High Middle Ages several charters were created that limited the authority of ruling powers. This lesson explores two of these charters, both of which limited the authority of the king of England.
4. Thomas Aquinas' Influence on the Catholic Church
St. Thomas Aquinas was perhaps the most important figure of the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages. This lesson examines what he did to help protect the Church against a rebirth of critical thinking by using critical thinking to defend the Church.
5. Mongolians and Their Contributions to Western Civilization
This lesson covers the contributions of the Mongols to Western civilization. We begin by examining the tale of Marco Polo. Next, we look at some common misconceptions about the Mongols. Finally, we enumerate the many technologies brought to Europe by this group.
6. Guilds in Western Culture and Economies in the High Middle Ages
Medieval guilds provided standards for production and protected their members from oppression. This lesson explores why guilds developed in the High Middle Ages.
7. Power Struggles of the Holy Roman Empire: Popes vs. Emperors
The High Middle Ages was characterized by constant struggles for power. This lesson explores fighting between the papacy, Germany, and Italy for authority over the Holy Roman Empire.
8. The Daily Life of English Peasants
Peasants of the Middle Age faced a very harsh life. This lesson explores the typical lifestyle for an English peasant in the 11th through 13th centuries, including the daily tasks they performed.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 200 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the CSET Social Science: Study Guide & Prep course
- About the CSET Social Science Test
- Prehistory & Early Civilizations
- Ancient Near East History
- Early Empires in the Near East & Asia
- Political & Philosophical Thought in Ancient Asia
- History of Ancient Greece & Hellenism
- The Roman Republic Rises
- History of the Fall of Rome
- Understanding the Dark Ages
- Understanding the Early Middle Ages
- Medieval Warm Period Overview
- Late Middle Ages Overview
- The Renaissance Overview
- The Age of Exploration & Discovery
- Overview of the Reformation Across Europe
- The Elizabethan Era Overview
- Overview of Colonialism
- Absolutism & Constitutionalism in Europe
- Shifting Eastern European Power (1648-1740)
- 18th Century Empire & Expansion
- The Age of Enlightenment
- The French Revolution & Napoleon Bonaparte
- Industrialization from 1700-1900
- Global Politics (1760-1848)
- Nationalism in Europe, Africa, Asia & the Americas
- Life & Trends in Europe (1850-1914)
- 19th and 20th Century Imperialism
- The World Post-WWI
- Overview of World War II
- Western Civilization Post-WWII
- Early Civilizations in the Americas & Colonization
- Settling North America & the Colonies
- Understanding the American Revolution
- The Making of a Nation after the American Revolution
- The Virginia Dynasty
- Jacksonian Democracy
- Everyday Life in Antebellum America
- Manifest Destiny & American Expansion
- America's Civil War
- After the Civil War: Reconstruction
- Westward Expansion, Industrialization & Urbanization (1870-1900)
- The Progressive Era of the Early 20th Century
- Overview of American Imperialism & World War I
- 1920s America
- Overview of the Great Depression
- World Events & Politics After World War II (1946-1959)
- Events & Presidents During the Cold War (1950-1973)
- Civil Rights & Other Movements in the US (1954-1973)
- Presidential Domestic Policy 1970-Present
- Overview of California History
- Principles & Concepts of American Democracy
- Fundamental Values & Principles of Civil Society
- Branches of Government in the U.S.
- U.S. Supreme Court Landmark Cases
- The U.S. Election Process
- Levels of Government in the United States
- Media Influence in the U.S.
- Comparing Political Systems
- Tension in U.S. Democracy
- Basic Terms & Concepts in Economics
- American Market Economy
- The Relationship between Politics & Economics
- U.S. Labor Markets in a Global Setting
- Aggregate Economic Behavior of the American Economy
- International Trade & the Economy
- Tools & Perspectives of Geographic Study
- Geographic Diversity of Natural Landscapes & Human Societies
- Culture & the Physical Environment
- Environmental Science Basics
- Effects of Humans on the Environment
- CSET Social Science Flashcards
