Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

The Crusades-Pilgrimage or Holy War?/Crash Course World History

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

8

Overview

John Green teaches you about the Crusades embarked upon by European Christians in the 12th and 13th centuries. Our traditional perception of the Crusades as European Colonization thinly veiled in religion isn't quite right. John covers the First through the Fourth Crusades, telling you which were successful, which were well-intentioned yet ultimately destructive, and which were just plain crazy. Before you ask, no, he doesn't cover the Children's Crusade, in which children were provoked to gather for a Crusade, and then promptly sold into slavery by the organizers of said Crusade. While this story is charming, it turns out to be complete and utter hooey.

**Sensitive: This resource contains material that may be sensitive for some students. Teachers should exercise discretion in evaluating whether this resource is suitable for their class.

    Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 8

    SS10.8.16

    Describe major cultural changes in Western Europe in the High Middle Ages (1000-1300 A.D.).

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.8.16

    Vocabulary

    • Holy Roman Empire
    • Magna Carta
    • High Middle Ages
    • William the Conqueror
    • King John
    • Philip II
    • jury (grade, trial)
    • clergy
    • friar
    • sacraments
    • Dominicans
    • Thomas Aquinas
    • theology
    • Scholasticism
    • anti-Semitism
    • Crusades

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • Religious influences on Western Europe in the High Middle Ages, including the changing role of the Catholic Church and the Crusades.
    • Political influences on Western Europe in the High Middle Ages, including the changing roles of governmental leaders, the signing of the Magna Carta, and the differing political developments in France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire.
    • The ways agriculture improved and the influence this had on the growth of cities and towns.
    • How the growth of cities and towns lead to increased trade and the expansion of the middle class.
    • Social changes that influenced Western Europe in the High Middle Ages, including the rise of scholasticism.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Understand textual evidence of primary and secondary sources.
    • Locate places on a map.
    • Describe how geography influenced culture.
    • Create a timeline.
    • Understand map symbols.
    • Identify the effects of religious beliefs and practices on societies.
    • Identify how religious beliefs affect government.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • Religion, political developments, and economics led to changes in European society during the High Middle Ages.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    CUSTOM
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