ALEX Classroom Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] WH8 (8) 16 :

16 ) Describe major cultural changes in Western Europe in the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 A.D.).

Examples: the Church, scholasticism, the Crusades

•  Describing changing roles of church and governmental leadership

•  Comparing political developments in France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire, including the signing of the Magna Carta

•  Describing the growth of trade and towns resulting in the rise of the middle class

John Green teaches you about the Crusades embarked upon by European Christians in the 12th and 13th centuries. Our traditional perception of the Crusades as European Colonization thinly veiled in religion isn't quite right. John covers the First through the Fourth Crusades, telling you which were successful, which were well-intentioned yet ultimately destructive, and which were just plain crazy. Before you ask, no, he doesn't cover the Children's Crusade, in which children were provoked to gather for a Crusade, and then promptly sold into slavery by the organizers of said Crusade. While this story is charming, it turns out to be complete and utter hooey.

**Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class.