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Systems Restructure in Europe and China

Driving Question: How did communities in Europe and China restructure after the collapse of empires?

After the collapse of major empires, communities in Europe and China faced the challenge of rebuilding. Explore how different regions adapted, reorganized power, and created new systems of authority. By comparing responses in Europe and China, you’ll get a closer look at how societies navigated periods of disruption and change.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Evaluate whether East Asia experienced a “dark age” during this period.
  2. Analyze historical evidence to compare the process of societal restructuring in Europe and China.
  3. Use the historical thinking practice of sourcing to evaluate an imperial edict from a Chinese emperor.

Vocab Terms:

  • dynasty
  • famine
  • tribute
STEP 1

Opener: Systems Restructure in Europe and China

As you get ready to learn about how people recovered after collapse, this activity will help you put yourself in the shoes of someone from this period.

STEP 2

Europe

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the eastern an western parts of Europe each chose different paths. In this activity, you’ll compare how they restructured.

STEP 3

China

Discussion about the Dark Ages usually centers around Europe; however, China also experienced its own period of collapse between dynasties.

STEP 4

Closer: Systems Restructure in Europe and China

Now that you’ve explored the paths of social restructuring, it’s time to return to the minds of people from this period, as you imagine how they perceived the changes around them.

Extension Materials
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Hungry for more? Explore this period further by exploring the medieval period in Japan and evaluating the role of women in medieval Europe and China.
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Japanese Middle Ages

Japan had its own Middle Ages—full of samurai, shoguns, and war. Why do some historians call it Japan’s “dark age”?

Shoguns, Samurai, and the Japanese Middle Ages External link

Japan and Western Europe both went through a Middle Ages—but was Japan’s era of samurai, shoguns, and warfare a “dark age,” too? Explore and decide.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
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Medieval Women in Western Europe and China

Societal norms and prejudices shaped the lives of women in medieval Europe and China. Use these materials to compare the experiences of women in these two regions.