Society and Economy (750-1400)

Feudalism

Most common society type in Europe is a hierarchy that centered around land

Serfdom

A form of slavery where serfs (servants), work on land in exchange for protection

Knights

Protected land in exchange for money or land, chivalry also became popular (750-1400) 

Manorial System

A feature of feudalism where the lord/ noble of the land would hold economic power

Three-field system

A system of crop rotation that made agriculture more efficient

Manorial Market

Controlled by a lord where they would charge tolls and fees

Guilds

Regulated production while also promoting trade, thus expanding the economy

The Crusades

Introduced Europe to Eastern trade and technologies, opening a doorway for an increase in economic flow

Black Death

Killed about ⅓ of Europe’s population, creating an immense impact on its society

The Peasant Revolt (1381)

The Peasants Revolt in 1381 was one of the first popular revolts and it was due to the imposition of a poll tax

Rise of Commerce

Trade routes were expanding and more towns and cities formed that were not controlled by lords/ nobles

Bourgeoisie/ Middle Class

Merchants, traders, or craftsmen who were wealthy but were not linked to noble or royal families

Proletariat/ Working Class

Emerged from the Industrial Revolution and worked in factories for long periods of time

Gentry

Landowners who weren’t related to nobles or royalty

Islam (Monotheistic)

Spread through North, West, and East Africa via trade routes

Christianity (Monotheistic)

Spread mainly in North Africa, mainly in Egypt (Coptic Orthodox Church)

Buddhism

Believed that the point of human life is suffering and good behavior on earth leads to nirvana (enlightenment) in the afterlife

Hinduism (Monotheistic)

Believes in the continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation

Confucianism

Believed in ethical conduct, family loyalty, and social harmony

Daoism (Taoism)

Focused on living in harmony with Tao (the way)

Shinto (Polytheistic)

Worshipped Kami (Spirits associated with naturally occurring things and ancestors)

Jainism (Polytheistic)

Focused on non-violence and living a simple life with no physical pleasures (believed to strengthen relationship with God)

Syncretism

The process of the blending of religious beliefs and practices

Ghana Empire (Mali: 300- 1200)

Known for wealth (gold trade)

Mali Empire (Malia, Senegal, and Guinea: 1235- 1600)

Know for wealth and its trade networks (mainly gold and salt)

Songhai Empire (Mali, Niger, and Nigeria: 1430- 1591)

Known for advanced administration, military prowess, and its urban centers (Gao and Timbuktu)

Tang Dynasty (China: 618- 907)

Golden age of Chinese civilization known for advancements in art, poetry, and technology like printing and papermaking.

Song Dynasty (China: 960- 1279)

Known for economic prosperity and technological advancements

Yuan Dynasty (China: 1271- 1368)

Known for its integration of Mongol rule over China

Ming Dynasty (China: 1368- 1644)

Restored Han Chinese rule after the Yuan Dynasty

Known for strong centralized government, economic recovery, and cultural restoration

Delhi Sultanate (India: 1206- 1526)

Established Muslim rule in India

Mongol Empire (1206- 1368)

United Mongol tribes and led military campaigns throughout Asia

Trans- Saharan Trade Routes

Mainly traded: Gold, ivory, salt, slaves, textiles, and agricultural products

Silk Road

Mainly traded: Silk, spices, tea, porcelain, precious metals, and cultural artifacts

Indian Ocean Trade Routes

Mainly traded: Spices, textiles, precious stones, and timber

Islamic Trade Routes

Mainly Traded: Textiles, spices, ceramics, and books