How Disease, War, and Schism Transformed Medieval Europe

CrashCourse

This educational video from Crash Course, hosted by John Green, explores the tumultuous 14th and 15th centuries in Medieval Europe. It moves beyond the common myths of the "Dark Ages" to examine the complex realities of the time, specifically focusing on how massive disruptions—disease, war, and religious schism—reshaped the continent. The video details the devastating impact of the Black Death, the political upheaval of the Hundred Years' War between England and France, and the crisis of authority within the Catholic Church known as the Great Schism. Key themes include the interconnectedness of historical events, such as how the Bubonic Plague led to labor shortages that ultimately undermined the feudal system. It explores the tension between religious and secular power, illustrated by the conflict between Pope Boniface VIII and King Philip IV, and discusses the evolution of warfare with the introduction of the longbow and gunpowder. The narrative also highlights the rise of common people's power through peasant revolts and the contributions of figures like Joan of Arc and Catherine of Siena. For educators, this video serves as an excellent synthesis of late medieval history, connecting cause and effect across social, political, and biological domains. It provides a platform for discussing how crises can accelerate social change, the role of technology in shifting power structures, and the decline of medieval institutions that paved the way for the Renaissance. The fast-paced, humorous delivery makes complex topics like papal politics and feudal economics accessible and engaging for students.