AP European History: Unit 1.1 - The Later Middle Ages

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Later Middle Ages as studied in AP European History, focusing on events, figures, and social transformations.

Black Death

A devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague that struck Europe in 1347, resulting in the death of about one-third of the population.

Bubonic Plague

A highly contagious disease caused by Yersinia pestis, transmitted through fleas on rats; the main cause of the Black Death.

Hundred Years’ War

A series of conflicts fought between England and France from 1337 to 1453, primarily over territorial claims.

Joan of Arc

A peasant girl who claimed to hear divine voices, leading to significant French victories during the Hundred Years' War before being captured and executed.

English Peasant Revolt

A major uprising in 1381 wherein peasants sought reforms due to taxation and economic distress post Black Death.

Lollards

Followers of John Wyclif, advocating for reform of the church, including the translation of the Bible into vernacular.

Hussites

Followers of John Hus who led a movement in Bohemia against the Catholic Church in the early 15th century.

Babylonian Captivity

A period from 1309 to 1377 when the papacy resided in Avignon, leading to diminished papal prestige.

Great Schism

The division in the Catholic Church from 1378 to 1417, during which multiple claimants to the papacy existed.

Conciliar Movement

A reform movement in the Catholic Church aimed at strengthening the authority of church councils over the pope.

Vernacular

The use of native languages in written and spoken form, which gained prominence in literature during the Later Middle Ages.

Byzantine Empire

The continuation of the Roman Empire in the east, known for its influence on Orthodox Christianity and art until its fall in 1453.

Fall of Constantinople

The capture of the Byzantine capital by the Ottoman Empire in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.

Ottoman Empire

A major Islamic empire that expanded into southeastern Europe, known for capturing Constantinople.

Dante Alighieri

An Italian poet known for 'The Divine Comedy,' which is considered a literary masterpiece and pivotal work in world literature.

Geoffrey Chaucer

An English poet known for 'The Canterbury Tales,' which provided insight into medieval English society.

Francois Villon

A French poet known for his works that humorously and poignantly depicted ordinary life during the medieval era.

Scholasticism

A method of critical thought that dominated medieval universities, primarily associated with the work of Thomas Aquinas.

Thomas Aquinas

A medieval philosopher and theologian whose writings sought to synthesize Christian doctrine with Aristotelian philosophy.

Malnutrition

Insufficient nutrition, which contributed to the weakening of the population before the pandemic of the Black Death.

Peasant Revolts

Uprisings among lower classes, increasingly frequent after the Black Death, driven by economic hardship and discontent.

Serfdom

The status of peasants under feudalism, which was significantly reduced or ended in many areas due to changing labor dynamics.

Dance of Death

An artistic genre that depicts the inevitability of death, reflecting the societal impact of the Black Death.

Work Guilds

Associations of artisans or merchants formed for mutual aid and protection, significantly influencing trade and labor during the Middle Ages.

Western Christianity

The branch of Christianity that emerged in Western Europe, characterized by its alignment with the Catholic Church.

Eastern Orthodoxy

The Christian religious tradition that predominated in the Byzantine Empire, distinct from Western Catholicism.

Aristocracy

The highest social class in certain societies, often holding significant power and influence over politics and economy.

Aging Population

The demographic trend whereby the average age of citizens increases, impacting social structures and economy.