Developments in Europe
Did you know medieval Europe was actually quite fragmented? Unlike the powerful empires elsewhere, Europe consisted of numerous small kingdoms organized under feudalism.
The Christian Church dominated European life, split between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches. Society followed a strict hierarchy with lords at the top, knights in the middle, and peasants at the bottom. Knights followed the code of chivalry, similar to how Japanese samurai followed bushido.
A major turning point came with the Crusades, launched to reclaim Jerusalem from the Seljuk Turks. These military campaigns unexpectedly introduced Europeans to more advanced civilizations and luxury goods from Asia. Meanwhile, the Magna Carta of 1265 established the first English Parliament, limiting royal power.
Dramatic impact: The bubonic plague, spread in part by Mongol conquests, killed 25-50% of Europe's population, causing massive social upheaval and labor shortages that eventually helped end the feudal system.