Question

Which had a more lasting influence - the Agricultural Revolution (c. 1000 CE) or the Investiture Controversy? Why? Be sure to include examples and evidence to support your conclusions.

Answer 1

Agricultural revolution in western europe led to technological revolution which further emphasised commercial revolution gave rise to towns, trade and money economy. Whereas Investiture controversy or Investiture contest was a tiff between church and state during medieval times on the ability to appoint local church officials through investiture.

Investiture controversy was a revolutionarizing point which marked the end of early middle ages. A power struggle began between Pope george VII and Emperor henry IV in 1056.

It continued for several decades as each of the consequent pope tried to reduce imperial power by uplifting revolt in germany. Henry IV was succeeded by his son who had revolted against him in support of papacy. In the lon run with the decline in imperial power in Germany caused separations in 19th century. Also in Italty, investiture controversy led to weakening of emperor's authority and encouraged local separatist.

Compared to this political turmoil, agricultural revolution was a transformation stage for western europe which led to new developments and innovations in middle ages. A new three field system was introduced with new farming techniques which changed the peasants ownership and practises of tilling their farms.

Thus, both instances have their own significance in term of having an impact in the european economy but I think a more widespread and revolutionary was the Agricultural revolution.