France

The Franks were in charge of France at its beginning.
The Capetians arise as the dynasty of France. They bring the French throne out of the Middle Ages. They built abbeys and monasteries.  
Support of the Church becomes the key to political success.
Manuscripts- Written words on animal hide.
1095- The Pope ordered the First Crusade. Jerusalem was considered the center of the world. The Pope decided to kick the Muslims out of Jerusalem. This was a bad idea and the Pope's forces get knocked out by the Muslims.

Architecture
Romanesque art and architecture originated in France around 1000 A.D. It centered around Judgement Day.
Cathedrals were used a fortresses and if a war started the people would flee to safety in the cathedrals.
The Gothic period came after Romanesque. Stained glass was a specialty of this time. They wanted to let as much light into their lives as possible.