Medieval Europe: Feudalism, Magna Carta, Black Death & Crusades

What is feudalism?

A social and economic system in medieval Europe where land was held by lords and worked by vassals in exchange for protection and service.

What was the Magna Carta?

A charter signed by King John of England in 1215 that limited the powers of the monarchy and established certain legal rights.

What is habeas corpus?

A legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention and ensures the right to a fair trial.

Who is considered a heretic?

A person who holds beliefs or opinions that are contrary to established religious doctrines.

Why was there a need for a feudal system in Europe?

Feudalism arose due to the need for protection and stability after the fall of the Roman Empire, as local lords provided security in exchange for service.

What are the major parts of a feudal pyramid?

The feudal pyramid consists of the king at the top, followed by nobles, knights, and peasants at the bottom, each with specific roles and responsibilities.

List three reasons population grew in Europe because of feudalism.

1. Increased agricultural production due to improved farming techniques. 2. Greater security and stability provided by local lords. 3. The establishment of trade routes that facilitated commerce.

Who signed the Magna Carta, where, and when?

King John signed the Magna Carta at Runnymede, England, in 1215.

How did the Magna Carta and Model Parliament affect common people?

They established principles of legal rights and representation, leading to greater involvement of common people in governance.

What were the benefits and drawbacks of trade routes during medieval times?

Benefits included increased commerce and cultural exchange; drawbacks included the spread of diseases like the Black Death.

How many people did the Black Death kill throughout the world and in Europe?

The Black Death killed approximately 75-200 million people worldwide, with about 25 million deaths in Europe.

How did the Black Death benefit the people of Europe?

It led to labor shortages, which increased wages for workers and improved living conditions for survivors.

When did the Crusades happen and how did they begin?

The Crusades occurred from 1096 to 1291, beginning with a call to arms by Pope Urban II to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

How did the Crusades impact Europe?

The Crusades stimulated trade, cultural exchange, and the spread of ideas, while also leading to increased tensions between Christians and Muslims.

How did the Crusades and the Hundred Years' War change the feudal system in Europe?

They weakened the power of feudal lords and increased the authority of monarchs, leading to the decline of feudalism.

Was the shift away from a feudal society beneficial to Europe?

This is subjective; arguments for benefits include increased trade, centralized power, and social mobility, while drawbacks include loss of local autonomy.