AP Euro DBQ prep (units 2-7)

Geography

Acts as a barrier between bodies of water and influences settlement patterns, resource availability, and cultural interactions.

Influences of the Greeks

Established foundations in democracy and law, introduced new philosophies and cultural values, and initiated the Olympic Games.

Contributions of the Romans

Introduced new military structures, advanced law and government, and built infrastructure such as baths and aqueducts.

Technological advances in the Middle Ages

Innovations such as the printing press and heavy plow, along with advancements in maritime and military technology, facilitated modernization.

Changes at the end of the last Ice Age

The melting of ice lowered sea levels and expanded resources for hunting and gathering, allowing humans to migrate and settle in new areas.

Importance of the Mediterranean Sea

It is more shielded from the deep ocean, facilitating trade and cultural exchange among surrounding regions.

Role of mountain systems

Create barriers that influence travel, trade, and cultural exchange, while also affecting climate and agriculture.

Cultural conception of Europe

Europe is perceived differently by various cultures and ethnicities, reflecting diverse historical experiences and identities.

Dark Ages in Western Europe

The period following the fall of Rome was marked by a lack of records, political instability, and economic collapse.

Accomplishments of Charlemagne's empire

Expanded his territory, gained the Pope's support, and promoted education and cultural revival.

Development of the papacy

Gained power as bishops were given authority to govern cities, especially after Constantine's endorsement.

Role of the Church in the Middle Ages

Served as a powerful institution influencing politics, culture, economics, and daily life, providing spiritual guidance and social order.

Decline of the Roman Empire

The establishment of a second capital in Constantinople, dissolution of borders, invasions by other countries, and internal chaos led to the empire's decline.

Civilizations across the Mediterranean by the 8th century

The Byzantine Empire (Christian and Greek-speaking), the Arabic World (dynamic culture), and Latin Christendom (emerging from remnants of the Roman Empire).

Significance of St. Augustine

His teachings on Christianity influenced the moral and philosophical framework of medieval Europe.

Great Schism of East and West

The formal split that divided Christianity into the Western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Pax Romana

A period of approximately 200 years of peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Roman Empire.

Natural law in Roman philosophy

Seen as a higher law above civil law, regarded as universal principles governing human behavior.

Donation of Constantine

A forged Roman imperial decree that purportedly granted the Pope supremacy over the Western Roman Empire.

St. Benedict

The founder of Western Monasticism, known for establishing rules for monastic life.

Characteristics of modern countries by 1000 AD

Fragmentation of Carolingian Empire, rise of the Catholic Church's power, and emergence of distinct kingdoms.

Role of the Church in medieval society

Influenced various aspects of life including politics, culture, and social order.

Church Influence

The Church influenced all aspects of life, including governance, culture, and economics, serving as a unifying force.

Herodotus

Herodotus is known as the 'Father of History' for his work in documenting historical events and cultures.

Caesaropapism

A political system where the head of state has significant control over the Church, merging political and religious authority.

Plato's Contributions

Plato's ideas laid the groundwork for Western philosophical thought, emphasizing forms and ideals.

Olympic Games Significance

The Olympic Games were a major cultural event that promoted unity among Greek city-states and celebrated athletic prowess.

Barbarians in Roman Empire

'Barbarians' referred to non-Roman tribes that posed threats to the empire and were often seen as uncivilized.

Dark Ages

The period in European history before 1000 AD characterized by a lack of cultural and economic progress.

Feudalism

A government on a local basis without an organized state, where the count was the most important figure.

Manorial System

An economic system that was based on the lord's manor, where peasants worked the land.

Lord-Vassal Relationship

A relationship where the lord protects the vassals, and the vassals serve the lord.

Lord-Serf Relationship

A relationship where the lord protects the serfs, who are bound to the land and cannot leave.

Rise of Christianity

The religious movement that contributed to the decline of slavery in medieval Europe.

Commerce in the High Middle Ages

Led to a shift from an isolated self-sufficient manorial system to an interconnected cash-based economy.

Economic Role of Women

Women could operate small businesses, sell goods in local markets, and work in crafts.

Royal Power

Increased as monarchies centralized their governments and sent officers to maintain order.

Royal Councils

Evolved as monarchs centralized their governments, increasing in size and complexity.

Parliaments

Evolved from informal councils into more influential and structured assemblies.

Secular

Non-religious aspects of life that are differentiated from religious authority.

High Middle Ages

The period in European history from about 1000 to 1300 characterized by significant population growth and economic innovation.

Three-field System

An agricultural system where land was divided into three sections for crop rotation.

Vassal

A person who entered into a mutual obligation to a lord in exchange for land.

Manor

An agricultural estate controlled by a lord, comprising the surrounding lands and a village where peasants lived.

Unfree Peasant

A laborer in Feudal Europe who was bound to work the land.

Serf

An unfree peasant bound to a plot of land owned by a lord.

Hugh Capet

A 10th Century French nobleman who founded the Capetian dynasty.

Population Growth

The significant increase in population during the High Middle Ages.

Economic Innovation

Developments in medieval Europe that contributed to economic growth.

Agrarian Life

The lifestyle centered around agriculture, which was integrated into the cash-based economy.

Local Markets

Places where goods were sold, contributing to the economic role of women.

Hanseatic League

A commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns that dominated Northern Europe in the late Middle Ages.

Tariffs

Taxes on imported goods from foreign governments to regulate trade.

Guilds

An association of merchants and artisans that regulated trade and services in towns.

Law Merchant

The body of commercial law that governed trade and business practices during medieval times.

Parliament

An assembly of royal advisors into a representative legislative body to make laws, consent to taxation, and hold the king accountable.

House of Commons

The elected lower house of Parliament in Britain, representing counties and towns.

Pope Nicholas

A pope who issued a decree that popes were to be chosen by cardinals.

Gregory VII

One of the first popes elected by cardinals, known for insisting that the clergy free itself from worldly influence.

Innocent III

A pope who aimed to create a unified Christian society and intervened in political matters.

Universities

Institutions that emerged in the High Middle Ages as centers of learning for teachers and students.

Scholastic Philosophers

Philosophers who reconciled Greek and Arabic learning with Christian doctrine.

Thomas Aquinas

A theologian who argued that faith and reason are paths to the same truth, rather than contradictory forces.

Lay Investiture

The medieval practice where non-religious rulers appointed and invested religious officials with symbolic authority.

Crusades

Military campaigns by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land, resulting in significant consequences for both Europe and the Middle East.

Intellectual Life of the High Middle Ages

Characterized by the establishment of universities and the integration of Arabic and Greek knowledge into European thought.

Arab Learning

The body of knowledge from Arabic sources that included translations of Greek works and advancements in various sciences.

Medieval Art

Art that reflects the religious and cultural values of the medieval period, often lacking diversity in thought.

Consequences of the Crusades

The lasting impacts of the Crusades on European and Middle Eastern societies.

Norman Conquest

The invasion and occupation of England by the Normans in 1066, marking a significant date in European history.

Imperial Free Cities

Self-ruling cities within the Holy Roman Empire that had autonomy and were not subject to local lords.

Battle of Hastings

A pivotal battle in 1066 that led to Norman control of England.

Holy Roman Empire

A political entity in central and western Europe that existed for over a thousand years, from the early middle ages until its dissolution in 1806.

Henry IV

The Holy Roman Emperor whose tumultuous reign was defined by a power struggle with Pope Gregory VII over authority.

Excommunication

The formal exclusion of someone from a church's Communion and rites.

Sacraments

Rites or agencies believed to be instituted by Christ that confer grace of God.

'To go to Canossa'

Refers to an act of great public penance of submission, particularly by a secular authority.

Heresy

Beliefs or opinions that contradict the official teachings of the church.

Fourth Lateran Council

A council held in Rome in 1215, presided over by Pope Innocent III, representing different Christian churches.

Dogma

An authoritative, divinely revealed set of doctrines of faith and morals defined by the church.

Transubstantiation

The Roman Catholic doctrine that during Holy Communion, the substance of bread and wine is changed into the body and blood of Christ.

Peter Abelard

A 12th-century French philosopher known for his work in logic and dialectic in theological study.

Anselm

A pivotal Italian philosopher, theologian, and Dominican friar known for integrating Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrines.

Reconquista

The centuries-long process by which the Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula sought to regain territory from Muslim rulers.

Famine

A severe shortage of food that leads to widespread hunger and mortality.

Plague

A contagious bacterial disease characterized by high mortality rates, historically significant in Europe.

Civilization of Europe by AD 1300

Characterized by growing populations, economic expansion, and the rise of cities and universities.

Religious Motives

Factors driven by beliefs and practices associated with faith.

Political Motives

Factors influenced by governance, power struggles, and authority.

Economic Motives

Factors related to trade, wealth, and resources.

Social Issues

Challenges and problems affecting societal structures and relationships.

Humanism

A shift from a theological, church-centered perspective to one that prioritized humanism, learning, and human potential.

Who primarily experienced the Renaissance?

The educated wealthy and upper classes in Italy, and later across Europe.

Secularization

The complex process by which religion and religious institutions have diminished in influence.

Social and political consequences of the Black Death for peasants

The depopulation created a labor shortage, empowering surviving peasants to demand better pay and weakening the power of the upper classes.

Impact of the Black Death on royal governments

It increased the power of royal governments due to the weakened feudal system and reduced labor supply.

Role of women during the Renaissance

Women were confined in a strict patriarchal system but found new opportunities for intellectual pursuits and influence in the arts and politics.

Machiavelli's contributions to politics and political thought

He separated politics from morality and religion, presenting a pragmatic analysis of power that influenced modern political thought.

Italian City-states during the Renaissance

Independent and politically autonomous centers that flourished through trade and banking, particularly in Italy.

Medici family

A powerful Italian banking family and political dynasty that significantly influenced the Renaissance from the 14th to 17th centuries.