AP Euro summer work notes

The Black Death

A pandemic that swept Europe from 1346 to 1353, resulting in the death of two-fifths of the population.

Social Change

The Black Death led to major social changes, including religious persecution and a breakdown of social customs.

Economic Power Shift

Kings and guilds saw an increase in economic and political power as a result of the pandemic.

Vulnerability Factors

Europe’s population was weakened prior to the plague due to overpopulation, economic depression, famine, and poor health.

Disease Transmission

The plague was caused by infected fleas that traveled from Asia to Europe via trade routes.

Entry Points

The plague entered Europe through the ports of Venice, Genoa, and Pisa by 1347.

Symptoms

Victims of the plague often experienced discoloration and lung issues, leading to sneezing and wheezing.

Religious Interpretations

Many viewed the plague as a punishment for sin, believing that repentance could provide a solution.

Medical Treatments

Doctors applied herbal medications and other measures like fumigation and cleaning to treat the plague.

Flagellant Movement

Flagellants believed that self-punishment would bring divine help and were outlawed by the church due to social disruptiveness.

Scapegoating

Jews were sometimes blamed for the plague by Christians, leading to persecution.

Agricultural Decline

The plague caused a decline in farms and many farm laborers died, leading to a shift in labor to craft industries in cities.

Peasant Revolts

Peasants revolted due to increased taxes and declining conditions, exemplified by the Jacquerie in France.

Urban Prosperity

Cities and skilled industries prospered post-plague, with increased demand for luxury goods.

National Sentiment

The Hundred Years’ War was influenced by Edward III's claim to the French throne and rising national sentiments in England and France.

English Military Strength

The English military, particularly their disciplined infantry and skilled archers, contributed to their early victories in the war.

Treaty of Troyes

This treaty proclaimed Henry V as the successor to the French king, but was not accepted by the French people.

Joan of Arc

A peasant who inspired French troops and played a key role in rallying national pride during the war.

Papal Power

The late medieval church saw a decline in spiritual authority as papal power became more secular.

Avignon Papacy

The papacy moved to Avignon under French influence, leading to a reputation for materialism and political scheming.

John Wycliffe

A theologian who criticized the papacy and supported reducing its power, influencing the Lollard movement in England.

John Huss

A Bohemian reformer whose execution led to a fierce revolt in Bohemia and was influenced by Wycliffe's teachings.

Mongol Rule

The Mongol invasion in the 13th century shaped Russian development, leading to the establishment of the Golden Horde.

Cultural Divisions

Mongol rule created cultural divisions between Russia and the West while leaving local political and religious institutions intact.

Rise of Moscow

As Mongol power waned, the princes of Moscow gained control, eventually leading to the end of Mongol rule in 1480.