Society and economy (750–1400) (IB)

Feudalism

A hierarchical system in Europe centered around land ownership and obligations among different social classes.

Serfdom

A system where serfs provided labor in exchange for protection and a place to live.

Manorial System

An economic system where the lord of a manor held economic power over peasants and serfs who worked the land.

Three-field system

A crop rotation method that improved agricultural efficiency, allowing two fields to be cultivated while one lay fallow.

Bubonic Plague

A deadly disease that killed about one-third of Europe's population during the Black Death.

Social Mobility

The ability of individuals to move up or down the social hierarchy, influenced by labor shortages following the Black Death.

Peasant Revolt (1381)

A popular revolt in England due to low wages and poor working conditions, sparked by the imposition of a poll tax.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class composed of merchants, traders, and craftsmen, who were not linked to noble families.

Islam

A monotheistic religion that spread through trade routes across Africa and Asia, characterized by the Five Pillars.

The Great Schism

The division in Christianity in 1054 that led to the rise of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Silk Road

An ancient trade route that connected China to the Mediterranean, facilitating trade and cultural exchange.

Trans-Saharan Trade Routes

Trade routes that connected West Africa with North Africa, primarily trading gold, ivory, and textiles.

Pax Mongolica

A period of peace established by the Mongol Empire that facilitated trade and cultural exchange across Asia.

Gunpowder

An invention credited to China, initially used for fireworks but later adapted for weapons.

Zheng He

A Chinese explorer during the Ming Dynasty known for his maritime expeditions to expand trade and influence.

Mansa Musa

The Emperor of the Mali Empire, known for his immense wealth and his pilgrimage to Mecca that impacted local economies.