Question

Did Feodalism, Capitalism and the 12th Century Renaissance coexist in any place in Europe?

Consider the social, economic, and political developments in Europe during the 11-12th centuries.

Please give a well thought out answer in detail.

Answer 1

Key historical trends of the High Middle Ages include the rapidly increasing population of Europe, which brought about great social and political change from the preceding era, and the Renaissance of the 12th century, including the first developments of rural exodus and urbanization.

By 1250 the robust population increase greatly benefited the European economy, reaching levels that would not be seen again in some areas until the 19th century. This trend faltered in the Late Middle Ages due to a series of calamities, notably the Black Death but also including numerous wars and economic stagnation.

From about 780 onwards, Europe saw the last of the barbarian invasions and became more socially and politically organized. The Carolingian Renaissance led to scientific and philosophical revivals in Europe. The first universities started operating – in Bologna, Paris, Oxford and Modena. The Vikings settled in the British Isles, France and elsewhere, whilst Norse Christian kingdoms started developing in their Scandinavian homelands. The Magyars ceased their expansion in the 10th century, and by the year 1000 a Christian Kingdom of Hungary had become a recognized state in Central Europe, forming alliances with regional powers. With the brief exception of the Mongol invasions in the 13th century, major nomadic incursions ceased. The powerful Byzantine Empire of the Macedonian and Komnenos dynasties gradually gave way to the resurrected Serbia and Bulgaria and to a successor Crusader state (1204 to 1261), while countering the continuous threat of the Seljuk Turks in Asia Minor.