Unit 4: Culture and Change

After the fall of Rome, Europe entered a time period known as the Middle Ages. A system called feudalism provided order to society. During the Middle Ages, the church exerted great influence over people's lives. Beginning in 1095, the Crusades were holy wars fought between Christians and Muslims. The Black Death spread across Europe in the 1300s, leaving millions dead.

The Renaissance began in Italy around 1350. Scientists tested theories and new ideas. Artists created works of art still highly valued today. Meanwhile, France and England fought the Hundred Years' War, and Spain forced Muslims and Jews to leave their country. During the Reformation, Protestants, led by Martin Luther, left the Roman Catholic Church.

The Tang dynasty ended a period of conflict in China in 618. Power passed from one dynasty to another through the middle of the 1800s. Chinese and European goods, ideas, and cultures were shared through trade along the Silk Road, Marco Polo's travels, and Zheng He's voyages of exploration. China turned away from the world in the 1600s, but by 1900, Europeans were trading in Chinese ports.

In India, Emperor Akbar of the Mogul Empire was a tolerant ruler who greatly supported the arts. Beginning in 1192, a military commander called a shogun and the emperor shared power in Japan. Japan's economy and society were organized into a system similar to feudalism in Europe. Many cultures influenced the societies of Southeast Asia. The Khmer kingdom began in the 800s in today's Cambodia. Khmer kings had massive temples built to honor Buddhist and Hindu gods.