HST 171 Paper 1 
The Institutional Development of Western Europe
By: Katerina Bumbaris
Throughout the middle ages, many different institutions have been changing and growing as time has passed. Religion, military, and art and literature have changed significantly over hundreds of years. There are many reasons as to why this happens. As civilizations learn and grow, they begin to change their way of living and thinking according to what might fit in current society. As people begin to change their way of thinking, the culture surrounding them has to change as well. The formation of the papal monarchy between the 11th and 13th century played a huge role in the way society behaved during that time period Religion in European history is one of the most commonly changed and important institutions. Christianity went from being a persecuted religion in the Roman Empire to the most popular and recognized religion of the middle ages. Before all religions became accepted in the Roman Empire, the empire was ruled by an emperor usually aligned with the state or government. However the Edict of Milan took place, which stated that there was religious freedom for all, Christianity growing in popularity at that time.1 Bishops of important cities were now starting to rise to power. After the split of the empire in the 4th century, the Western empire began facing many attacks by barbarians invading the country. During this time of great confusion, bishops helped stabilize Rome against the barbarian invasions. “Some bishops of the church compromised with the barbarians in hope of achieving an ultimate good”.2 Also because some feared that if they tried to tax the church, God would punish them severely by taking away their kingdom.3 This shows the influential power of the church by using religion and God to scare some of the barbarians. Because of the lack of power of the state at this time, the bishops also became the protectors somewhat.
By: Katerina Bumbaris
Throughout the middle ages, many different institutions have been changing and growing as time has passed. Religion, military, and art and literature have changed significantly over hundreds of years. There are many reasons as to why this happens. As civilizations learn and grow, they begin to change their way of living and thinking according to what might fit in current society. As people begin to change their way of thinking, the culture surrounding them has to change as well. The formation of the papal monarchy between the 11th and 13th century played a huge role in the way society behaved during that time period Religion in European history is one of the most commonly changed and important institutions. Christianity went from being a persecuted religion in the Roman Empire to the most popular and recognized religion of the middle ages. Before all religions became accepted in the Roman Empire, the empire was ruled by an emperor usually aligned with the state or government. However the Edict of Milan took place, which stated that there was religious freedom for all, Christianity growing in popularity at that time.1 Bishops of important cities were now starting to rise to power. After the split of the empire in the 4th century, the Western empire began facing many attacks by barbarians invading the country. During this time of great confusion, bishops helped stabilize Rome against the barbarian invasions. “Some bishops of the church compromised with the barbarians in hope of achieving an ultimate good”.2 Also because some feared that if they tried to tax the church, God would punish them severely by taking away their kingdom.3 This shows the influential power of the church by using religion and God to scare some of the barbarians. Because of the lack of power of the state at this time, the bishops also became the protectors somewhat.