Europe’s Commercial Revolution and Medieval Changes

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Europe's Commercial Revolution, medieval Christianity, educational changes, and the role of English kings.

What was the significance of cerealization from 10000 to 1340 in Europe?

It tripled available farmland and led to a population boom, growing from less than 40 million to 75 million.

What innovations contributed to cerealization?

Innovations included the iron plow, horseshoes, rotating crops, and the development of water and windmills.

What major event reversed the population growth in Europe during the mid-14th century?

The Black Death, which caused the death of 1/3 of Europeans between 1348 and 1354.

What economic system was represented by the manor in medieval Europe?

The manor system involved serfs providing work and food for landowners.

What role did guilds play in the Middle Ages?

Guilds allowed craftsmen in towns to exert their independence and control, becoming very wealthy.

Name two new orders founded during medieval Christianity and their focus.

Cistercians focused on returning to monastic discipline, while Dominicans emphasized scholarship and established universities.

What are the seven sacraments in medieval Christianity supposed to provide?

They are meant to bring God's grace.

What educational changes occurred around the rise of universities around 1100?

Universities became independent degree-granting institutions with a focus on liberal arts, including trivium and quadrivium.

What contribution did the Muslim world make to European education and knowledge?

They translated classical texts into Latin and introduced Arabic numerals, along with other innovations like the astrolabe and eyeglasses.

What was the significance of the Magna Carta, written in 1215?

It was the first European document to recognize the rights and protections owed to the king's subjects.

Who was forced to issue the Magna Carta and why?

King John was forced to issue it due to his unpopularity and pressure from barons.

What rights were granted under the Magna Carta?

It included various rights, such as protections for widows and the requirement of kings to follow established legal procedures.

How did Edward I contribute to English governance?

He helped found the English Parliament and emphasized rights and responsibilities owed to all Englishmen.

What were the two houses formed in the English Parliament?

The House of Commons, which included knights and town representatives, and the House of Lords, which included barons.

What does the concept of common law represent in relation to the king and subjects?

Common law shows the reciprocal duties and rights between kings and their subjects, establishing national unity.