Western Civilization II - Midterm Study Guide

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts from the lecture notes on Western Civilization II, providing a comprehensive study tool for exam preparation.

Germany Migration

The migration of various tribes into Germany around 376 AD, influenced by the Huns and other factors.

Battle of Adrianople

A significant battle in 378 AD where the Visigoths defeated the Romans, leading to the death of Emperor Valens.

Clovis

King of the Franks who converted to Christianity around 496 AD, which helped unite his people.

Rule of St. Benedict

A guideline for monastic life that influenced how monks and friars live and work in monasteries.

Viking Invasions

Invasions by Vikings in the 9th and 10th centuries, aimed at exploration, raiding, and colonization.

Overpopulation

One of the reasons for migration, leading people to seek new lands due to overcrowded conditions.

Carolingian Renaissance

A revival of learning and culture during the reign of Charlemagne that laid the foundations for modern education in Europe.

Treaty of Verdun

The 843 treaty that divided Charlemagne's empire among his grandsons, establishing early boundaries for France.

Battle of Hastings

The 1066 battle where William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson, marking the beginning of Norman rule in England.

Danelaw

A historical region in England established by Danish Viking settlers following the Viking invasions.

Crusades

Military campaigns sanctioned by the Pope, primarily aimed at recapturing the Holy Lands from Muslim control.

Reconquista

A series of campaigns by Christian kingdoms during the Middle Ages to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule.

Jacquerie

A peasant revolt in France in 1358 that was part of a larger pattern of discontent during the Hundred Years' War.

Black Death

A devastating pandemic that swept through Europe during the 14th century, killing an estimated 25-50% of the population.

Hundred Years' War

A series of conflicts between France and England from 1337 to 1453, notable for figures like Joan of Arc.

Papal Schism

A division in the Catholic Church where multiple rival popes claimed authority, affecting church politics.

Magna Carta

The 1215 charter that limited the power of the king and laid the groundwork for modern democracy.

Arianism

A belief that denied the divinity of Jesus Christ, which was deemed heretical by the early Church.

Benedict Rule

Regulations governing monastic life that promote community living, prayer, and work.

Feudalism

A social system in medieval Europe where lords held land in exchange for military service from vassals.

Manorialism

An economic system structured around a lord's manor, including serfs who worked the land.

Estates General

An assembly created by King Philip IV of France, representing the three estates of society: clergy, nobility, and commoners.

Parliament

The representative legislative assembly in England that evolved from the medieval council.

Accolade

The ceremonial act of knighting a new knight, signifying their role and status.

Gothic Architecture

A style of architecture characterized by features like ribbed vaults, pointed arches, and flying buttresses.

Reconquest of Spain

The military campaigns by Christian kingdoms to reclaim territory from Muslim forces in the Iberian Peninsula.

Nation-state formation

The development of centralized monarchies in Europe as trade and economic growth increased.

Vassalage

A system where a vassal pledges loyalty and military service to a lord in exchange for land.

Papal Schism (Urban IV and Clement III)

A conflict resulting in rival popes, weakening the authority of the Catholic Church.

Peasant Revolts

Rebellions by peasants seeking relief from oppressive tax burdens and feudal obligations.

Mohammad

The prophet of Islam, who unified the tribes of Arabia and established the religion.

Justinian I

Byzantine Emperor known for his efforts to restore the Roman Empire and for his legal reforms, including the Justinian Code.

Theodoric

King of the Ostrogoths who played a significant role in the history of post-Roman Italy.

Louis IX

A French king known for his devout Christian faith and efforts to centralize royal authority.

Augustine of Canterbury

A Christian missionary sent to England to spread Christianity and the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Alfred the Great

King of Wessex who defended England against Viking invasions and promoted education.

William the Conqueror

Duke of Normandy who claimed the English throne and established Norman rule following the Battle of Hastings.

Domesday Book

A comprehensive record of landholdings in England compiled under William the Conqueror in 1086.

Gregory the Great

Pope known for his reforms and the strengthening of the papacy during the early Middle Ages.

Odoacer

The Germanic leader who overthrew the last Roman emperor in the West, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.

Charlemagne

The medieval emperor who ruled much of Western Europe and was a key figure in the Carolingian Renaissance.

Richard the Lionheart

King of England known for his leadership during the Third Crusade against Saladin.

King John

King of England who signed the Magna Carta, which limited monarchial power.

Philip II

French king who centralized royal power and expanded his territories.