Unit 8 - Medieval and Renaissance Europe and Japan

world history

What time period is referred to as the Medieval Era?

The Medieval Era is c. 500-1500.

What are the three periods of the Middle Ages?

Early Middle Ages (Dark Ages), High Middle Ages, and Late Middle Ages.

What event led to the beginning of the Dark Ages in Europe?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.

What characterized the Dark Ages?

A significant decline in civilization in Western Europe, loss of Greco-Roman knowledge, and little trade.

Which tribes impacted Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire?

Germanic barbarian tribes invaded and seized territories.

What was the primary religious belief system of Germanic tribes?

Polytheism, worshipping multiple gods including Wotan, known as Odin.

What notable culture did the Vikings follow?

Polytheistic religion with worship of various gods and natural elements.

What was a main reason for Viking invasions in the 9th and 10th centuries?

Lack of arable land led to exploration and raids.

What important role did the Franks play in the spread of Christianity?

They were the first Germanic people to convert to Christianity under Clovis.

What was the significance of the Battle of Tours in 732?

It halted the advance of Muslim forces into Europe.

Where did the Magyars originate and settle?

The Magyars originated in the Ural Mountains and settled near the Danube River in Hungary.

How did Charlemagne contribute to the Holy Roman Empire?

He united the Germanic kingdoms and became the first Holy Roman Emperor.

Who was Pope Leo III?

He crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor.

What role did the Roman Catholic Church play during the Middle Ages?

It was a dominant force influencing all aspects of life and acting as a unifying force.

What was the role of clergy in the Church?

The clergy included priests and bishops overseeing ceremonies and teachings.

What is a monastery?

A Christian community where monks live apart from society to focus on prayer and study.

What characterized feudalism?

A system in which a lord provides protection to vassals in exchange for services.

What is a fief?

A piece of land granted to a vassal by a lord.

Who were the samurai?

Warriors in medieval Japan who served a daimyo.

What did the term 'Bushido' refer to?

The code of behavior followed by the samurai.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Verdun?

It split Charlemagne's empire into three parts among his grandsons.

What were the main contributions of monasteries during the Dark Ages?

They preserved Christian faith and classical Greco-Roman heritage.

What was the Carolingian Renaissance?

A revival of culture and learning under Charlemagne’s rule.

What did Charlemagne do to promote education?

He founded schools and supported the learning of different subjects.

What led to the rise of powerful landholding families in Japan?

The weakening of the central government and the need for local rulers to defend their lands.

What was the Shinto religion about?

The worship of kami, or divine spirits found in nature.

How was early Japanese society organized?

Society was organized into clans, each ruled by a chief.

What event marked the start of Japan's isolation policy?

The cut-off of foreign trade and influence, particularly initiated in 1639.

What are the four main islands of Japan?

Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

What was unique about the samurai class?

They followed a strict code of conduct and served the daimyo loyally.

What major natural disasters threaten Japan?

Earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons.

What was the Japanese response to Mongol invasions?

Defensive measures led to a unification of local daimyo against the invaders.

Which clan became the first shogunate in Japan?

The Minamoto clan, with Yoritomo becoming the first shogun.

What significant reforms did Prince Shotoku implement?

The creation of Japan’s first constitution and commitment to imperial rule.

How did the Catholic Church serve in medieval society?

It provided a unifying force, education, and social services.

What agricultural developments increased productivity in medieval Europe?

Innovations like the three-field system and horse-drawn plows.

What was the significance of the Daimyo class in Japan?

They were powerful landowners who controlled the territories and armies.

How did medieval Europe view the social hierarchy?

Society was structured like a pyramid, with kings at the top and peasants at the bottom.

What was the main reason for serfs not being considered slaves?

Serfs were bound to the land but could potentially buy their freedom.

What was one result of the increasing power struggle between the kings and the church?

Conflict over appointments of clerical positions and authority.

What cultural aspects did Japan adopt from China?

Writing system, governance style, and cultural practices like tea drinking.

What type of architecture was influenced by China in Japan?

Pagodas, characterized by multi-storied structures with curved roofs.

How did Christianity influence early medieval Europe politically?

It provided stability and unified various kingdoms under common beliefs.

What was the impact of the Japanese isolation policy?

It limited foreign influence and trade, allowing indigenous culture to develop.