AP Euro Unit I

Feudalism

The political structure arising in Europe after the fall of Rome for the purpose of survival.

Lord

Owner of land in feudal society.

Serf

Works for the lord in exchange for protection; attached to the land.

Vassal

Fights/works for the lord in exchange for a piece of land called a fief.

Knights

Soldiers on horseback, highly trained warriors in the feudal system.

Code of Chivalry

Code of conduct for Knights including respect for women and protection of the weak.

Battle of Tours (732)

A battle where the Franks (Christian) defeated the Muslims, securing Christianity as the dominant religion in Europe.

Donation of Pepin

Pepin the Short donated land to the Pope, leading to the establishment of the Papal States.

Charlemagne

Also known as Charles the Great, he created a vast Western European empire and promoted learning and Christianity.

Magna Carta (1215)

A document that limited the powers of the King, establishing the principle of limited government.

The Black Death (1348-1352)

A devastating plague in Europe that killed about half of the population and affected serfdom.

Hundred Years War (1331-1453)

Conflict between France and England, notable for the first use of gunpowder in battles.

Pope Innocent III

The most powerful pope, claimed authority over all kings and emphasized the role of the Church.

The Crusades (1095-1291)

Religious wars fought for control of the Holy Land, resulting in the establishment of Crusader States.

Conciliar Movement

A movement within the Church advocating for councils to address issues, often resisted by popes.

Scholasticism

A philosophical school of thought that seeks to reconcile faith and logic.

Humanism

The philosophical school based on human ability to find truth and the study of classical texts.