Medieval Trade and Governance

A set of flashcards covering key concepts related to medieval trade and governance.

Champagne Trade fairs

Trade fairs in northeastern France where merchants from across Europe met to exchange goods.

Guilds

Organizations of workers in the same trade that controlled training, quality, and prices.

Levels of tradesmen

The hierarchy in trade: apprentice → journeyman → master.

Usury

Charging interest on loans; banned by the Church but still practiced.

Market Economy

A system where people buy and sell goods using money instead of barter.

Gothic Cathedrals

Large, detailed churches built in the Gothic style to show religious devotion and Church power.

Henry II

Strengthened royal power by creating common law and improving courts.

Eleanor of Aquitaine

Brought land and influence, important in the strengthening of the monarchy.

Magna Carta (1215)

A document that limited the king’s power and protected the rights of nobles.

Parliament

A governing body in England that advised the king and approved taxes.

Philip II

French king who expanded royal land and strengthened the monarchy.

Philip IV

French king who challenged the Pope and created the Estates-General.

Estates-General

Assembly of three groups: 1. Clergy 2. Nobility 3. Third Estate = common people.