The High Middle Ages (it would sound silly to call them the Middle Middle Ages, so historians use High) was a time a success for the entire system.  A slight change in climate allowed for increased food production and the population exploded. 

     The Roman Catholic Church was tremendously influential with regard to political, intellectual, and economic affairs on the continent.  Many of the famous Middle Ages events took place over this 400 year time span (C. 900-C. 1400), including the first major split in the Christian church, the Norman Conquest of England, the Holy Crusades, and the beginning of church run trial known as the Inquisition.

     The Fuedal class system became firmly established, and the manors of the Early Middle Ages gave way to the great kingdoms of Europe.  The good times did not last however, as a trouble was on the horizon that would result in disaster.