The chapter “The Expansion of Europe, 950-1100” in the book “Western Civilizations: Their History & Their Culture”, refers to the expansion of Europe at the beginning of fourteen century. Coffin, Stacey, and Cole highlighted the some historical facts that are related to the topic. The argument based on the study is “The Europe became politically, economically and military strong after making strong efforts to bring improvements in different sectors of the economy”. The transformation was difficult, but Europe made it possible by bringing improvement and growth in different sectors of Europe at that time. The improvements were made in agriculture, technology, and acquisition of land that made the task achievable for Europeans.
The improvement started from the revolution of agriculture in the arena. It transformed the overall crop production and increasing the number of crops in different countries like Germany, France, and England. The sector chosen to start improvement was quite relevant that allowed them lowering the risks that may involve in the expansion process. The revolution was introduced to transform and increase the overall production of crops. The agricultural revolution made it possible for the people of Europe to work hard and increase production of the profession in which they have specialization. It is a fact that specialization can bring positive change in the economic conditions of a country (Coffin, Stacey and Cole 253).
The adoption of technology made it easier for the Europeans to develop their society. The new technologies that was introduced and adopted, allowed farmers and landlords to produce a lot of agricultural products. The huge quantity of crops enabled them to supply the crops to the increasing population of Europe. The adoption of Technological advancement is essential to strengthen the production process and the economy of the country will become stable if it supplies its products in different parts of the world. The new machinery, equipment, and other resources are useful in enhancing the production units that can be sold to earn profits. The economy of Europe was becoming powerful due to the rapid adoption of innovative ideas and technologies to boost up the economic conditions (Coffin, Stacey and Cole 254).
The utilization of land also contributed to the growth and improvement. There was Manorialism common at that time, and serfdom was entitled to fulfill their obligations in others interest. The life of the serfdom was difficult, but they did not argue because the obligations imposed on them were according to their norms and culture. Later in 1095, proclamation was announced by Pope Urban II to oppose the trend of Holy Lands acquired by inhabiting. The crusade resulted in the chances of an end of a war between Islamic East and Christian West. The crusade resolved the conflicts, and there was an improvement shown in the overall political stability of the place. The resolution of conflicts between two groups can bring a substantial change in the political, environmental, and economic stability of a country (Coffin, Stacey and Cole 254).
An institution formed in High Middle Ages contributed to the improvements initiated by the earlier Europeans. The institution named “feudalism” introduced to politically fragment world of medieval Europe. Besides this, new monarchies were formed in different parts of Europe that resulted in the success of citizen participation and loyalty. The contribution of other revolutionary movements and proclamations cannot be denied, yet the significant efforts in the agricultural development made it possible for Europeans to make growth.
Works Cited
Coffin, Judith G., et al. Western Civilizations: Their History & Their Culture, Volume 2. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2011. Print.
