AP European History Unit 1

What were the main causes and effects of the Hundred Years' War?

• Causes: English kings' claims to the French throne and control over French territories like Gascony.

• Effects: Devastation of French soil, strengthening of the French monarchy, and a shift in English national identity away from continental Europe.

What was the significance of the English longbow in the Hundred Years' War?

The longbow was a major military advantage for the English. Its speed and penetrating power allowed English archers to defeat French knights at key battles like Crécy and Poitiers.

What were the short-term and long-term effects of the Black Death on Europe?

• Short-term: Massive population decline (25-50%), social and economic disruption, and an increase in religious questioning.

• Long-term: Labor shortages led to higher wages and better living standards for surviving workers.

What was the Great Western Schism, and how was it resolved?

• What it was: A split within the Catholic Church with two, and later three, rival popes claiming authority. It was caused by political and national rivalries.

• Resolution: The Council of Constance (1414-1418) ended the schism by electing a single new pope, Martin V.

What is a common misconception about the Late Middle Ages in comparison to the Italian and Northern Renaissance?

A myth is that the Late Middle Ages were the "Dark Ages," with no learning or culture. In reality, it was a period of crisis that set the stage for the explosion of interest in classical Greco-Roman culture during the Renaissance.

What is Humanism?

The central philosophy of the Renaissance. It emphasized the study of classical Greco-Roman culture to improve human potential and valued education in the liberal arts.

Who is considered the "Father of Humanism"?

Francesco Petrarch. He was a poet and scholar who actively sought to revive classical Latin and Greek texts.

What was the educational foundation of the liberal arts curriculum during the Renaissance?

The "trivium" (grammar, rhetoric, logic) and the "quadrivium" (arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy). This model was based on classical learning and aimed to create well-rounded citizens.

What is Civic Humanism?

An application of humanist ideals to public life. It involved city leaders and wealthy patrons using their resources for public works, charity, and the arts, a practice similar to modern philanthropy.

Who were two key ancient thinkers whose philosophies were central to the humanism of the Renaissance?

Plato and Aristotle. Their writings and ideas formed the philosophical foundation for the new schools of thought, like Neo-Platonism in Florence.

How did political power differ between Northern European states and Italian city-states?

Northern European states were consolidating into unified monarchies. Italian city-states remained independent, ruled by wealthy families (like the Medici) or powerful despots, leading to political fragmentation and competition.

Who were the condottieri and what was their role in Renaissance Italy?

Condotteiri were leaders of mercenary armies hired by the city-states. Since city-states didn't have their own permanent armies, they relied on these professional soldiers for defense and warfare.

How did the role of the Papacy change during the Renaissance?

Popes became significant political and military rulers of the Papal States. Figures like Julius II and Alexander VI were known for their secular power, extravagant lifestyles, and involvement in wars and political intrigues.

What was the economic innovation that gave Italian city-states a major advantage?

The development of modern banking and finance. The Italian city-states pioneered currency, credit, and sophisticated banking systems, which generated immense wealth and political influence for families like the Medici.

What was the social hierarchy of Renaissance Italy, from top to bottom?

• Grandi: The "super-rich" merchant and banking elite.

• Popolo Grosso: The upper-middle-class merchants.

• Popolo Minuto: The lower-middle-class artisans and workers.

• Peasants: The rural poor.

How did slavery in Renaissance Italy differ from later American slavery?

Italian slaves were often prisoners of war from Eastern Europe and elsewhere, not primarily from Africa. Their status was not always hereditary, and they were more often employed as domestic servants and artisans rather than agricultural laborers.