What were the events that led up to Great Schism of 1054?

by deathputt4birdie

On July 16, 1054, Patriarch of Constantinople Michael Cerularius was excommunicated, starting the “Great Schism” that created the two largest denominations in Christianity—the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox faiths. (http://www.nationalgeographic.org/thisday/jul16/great-schism/)

For obvious reasons, recent events have brought this subject to the front of my mind. I'm interested in learning what steps (if any) were taken to prevent it? What were the consequences for the average citizens of Rome and Constantinople?

WelfOnTheShelf