what religious, economic, and political events led to the development of western Europe?
How many books are you writing?
These sites will start you on your research.
http://www.google.com/#q=history+western+Europe
I have a book titled A HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION (which focuses on western "civilization", Euro-centered). We called it the five-pound Judd (after the author).
The development of Western Europe can be attributed to a combination of religious, economic, and political events. Here's an explanation of the key events under each category:
1. Religious Events:
a. The Fall of the Western Roman Empire: In 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire collapsed, leading to the spread of Christianity as the predominant religion in Europe. The influence of the Catholic Church became widespread and played a crucial role in shaping society and political affairs.
b. The Great Schism: In 1054 AD, the Catholic Church split into the Western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, dividing Europe religiously and politically.
2. Economic Events:
a. The Crusades: Launched in the 11th century, the Crusades were military campaigns undertaken by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule. These expeditions spurred economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange, creating new networks for commerce and knowledge.
b. The Renaissance: Starting in the 14th century, the Renaissance brought about a significant economic shift through advancements in art, science, and technology. It led to increased trade, exploration, and the growth of influential city-states like Venice and Florence.
3. Political Events:
a. Feudalism: In the early Middle Ages, feudalism emerged as a political system where local lords governed their lands, providing protection in exchange for loyalty and labor from peasants.
b. The Magna Carta: In 1215, King John of England was forced to sign the Magna Carta, limiting the power of the monarchy and establishing the principle of rule of law.
c. The Age of Exploration: Starting in the 15th century, European countries, primarily Spain, Portugal, England, France, and the Netherlands, embarked on voyages of exploration, seeking new trade routes to Asia and the Americas. These expeditions expanded European influence and established colonies worldwide.
To understand the development of Western Europe fully, it is crucial to study these religious, economic, and political events and their impacts on European society, culture, and governance.