Middle Ages SS 8 Study Cards Flashcards
(37 cards)
When did the Middle Ages begin, and with what event?
Began in 476-1066, because of the fall of the Roman Empire.
Why did Europe become such a violent place during the Early Middle Ages?
-Military issues
- Fall of Roman Empire
-Barbarian invasion groups
-Wars
Who is thought to be a key figure in bringing stability to Europe? What event led to the power of this figure and how did he bring stability?
William the Conqueror, with his new reign over England, he also began a time of more or less peace. Made the feudalism triangle.
Feudalism involved obligations among various groups within the feudal hierarchy.
Feudalism did involve obligations among various groups within the social hierarchy. The king gave lords a fief and peasants and in return the lords gave loyalty and military aid. Lords gave knights shelter, protection and food and in return knights gave homage and military service. Knights gave peasants protection and shelter and in return got paid and their land farmed.
Why is the feudalism hierarchy often drawn in a pyramid shape?
It goes from highest to lowest and the most amount. Ex: serfs and peasants were the most so they are at the bottom for more space, the king is one so he fits at the top. Also symbolizes who is below who socially.
What did Feudalism provide?
Provided organization, rules, safety and order, obligation, military service in exchange for land.
What did a lord’s strength depend on?
It depended on keeping the peasants in order and making sure the people and king were happy.
What two things did a lord need to defend his property and people?
Protection, knights that were trained and good military force.
How could a regular serf escape from serfdom? Explain.
If a serf ran away for a year and a day (366 days) without getting caught they would get freedom.
How was life as a merchant different than a peasant or lord?
Merchants sells goods and peasants work for the land and farm but don’t get paid. They could also leave but serfs were tied to the land.
How did a guild control society?
Controlled prices of goods and set standards of quality.
Why was religion so important to people living in the Middle Ages?
Religion was central to daily lives. They believed if they listened to the church and lived well they would be offered a better afterlife.
What was the Bubonic Plague’s nickname?
The Black Death.
One major cause of the plague was what and how did it spread?
Factors contributing to it were poor hygiene and cleanliness, it spread to humans by rats-fleas-humans.
How did the plague reach Europe?
a boat in Cicily.
Why were the peasants revolting and in what did it happen?
Happened in 1381, labor shortages so peasants wanted higher wages,( poll taxes, inequality, labor shortages)
What was the result of the peasant revolt?
Peasants lost but gained more rights. Poll taxes ended.
How did the peasant revolt demonstrate a change in worldviews?
Changed their views on things such as politics, economy, time, stood up for what is right, questioned the government.
Describe 3 ways church was central to peoples lives.
Church bells rang to bring them to prayer, Educated people, Religion was everything to them to they always listened to God.
The Church was the only organization at the time offering education. How did this role give the church power?
Gave church power because people wanted to learn more and get educated so they had to come to the church.
Why do you think medieval people accepted what the church was telling them without question?
They thought they would have a better afterlife, and they would do anything to get into heaven. Also taught from a young age.
Why do you think people would want to become a Monk or Nun?
They wanted to spread gods word and get into heaven, they also didn’t have to do harsh farm work if they were a peasant.
What were the Crusades? Who was involved? What were they fighting over? What was the primary purpose of the Crusades?
The crusades were a series of religious military campaigns against Muslims. Christians, Jews and Muslims were involved. They were fighting over the Holy land Jerusalem. The reason for the crusades was to get the holy land, but originally was to defeat the Turks.
What did Europeans bring back from war?
The Black death.
