Freshmen World History: The Formation of Western Europe Study Guide

Key Definitions

• Middle Ages/Dark Ages/Medieval Age: Period in European history from roughly the 5th to late 15th centuries, characterized by the rise of feudalism and the influence of the Catholic Church.
• Feudalism: A hierarchical system of land ownership and duties, where nobles owned large lands and vassals/serfs worked on them in exchange for protection.
• Vassal: A person granted land (a fief) by a lord in exchange for loyalty and service.
• Fief: A piece of land considered to be a tenant’s (vassal's) property.
• Gothic Church Aspects: Architectural style characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, inspired by religious faith.
• Manor: The estate of a lord where peasants (serfs) worked the land.
• Serfs: Peasants who were bound to the land and subject to the lord's control.

Significant Historical Events/Concepts

• Chivalry: The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code of conduct.
• Lay Investiture: The appointment of bishops and other church officials by secular leaders.
• Concordat of Worms: A 1122 agreement that resolved the Investiture Controversy between the Pope and Holy Roman Emperor.
• Tithe: A church tax, typically one-tenth of a person's income.
• Treaty of Verdun (843): Divided the Carolingian Empire into three kingdoms among Charlemagne’s grandsons.
• The Norman Conquest (1066): William the Conqueror’s invasion which ended Anglo-Saxon rule in England.
• The Battle of Hastings (1066): A decisive battle where William defeated King Harold II, establishing Norman rule in England.
• Magna Carta (1215): A charter limiting royal power and establishing certain legal rights for subjects.
• Common Law: A body of unwritten laws based on legal precedents established by the courts.
• Parliament: The legislative body in England which emerged in the late Middle Ages.

Cultural and Societal Changes

• The Crusades: A series of religious wars initiated by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land; led to increased trade and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Middle East.
• Domesday Book: A book completed in 1086 that recorded the great survey of England's assets for taxation purposes.
• Domestic System: Early form of production in which goods were produced at home, leading to the formation of guilds.
• Guilds: Associations of artisans or merchants who controlled the practice of their craft in a particular area.

Major Historical Figures

• Clovis: King of the Franks who converted to Christianity, laying foundations for future French culture.
• Charles Martel: Frankish leader known for his victory at the Battle of Tours (732), defending France from Muslim invaders.
• William the Conqueror: Duke of Normandy who invaded England and established Norman rule.
• Pope Gregory VII: Advocated for church reform and fought against lay investiture.
• King Henry IV: Engaged in the power struggle with Gregory VII; famously stood penitent to seek forgiveness.
• Edward the Confessor: King prior to the Norman Conquest, notable for his pious nature.
• Simon de Montfort: Led a rebellion against Henry III; known for establishing the Model Parliament.
• Frederick Barbarossa: Holy Roman Emperor who sought to unite Germany and Italy.
• Pope Innocent III: Most powerful pope during the Middle Ages; involved in the Crusades and church reforms.
• Joan of Arc: A French heroine in the Hundred Years War who inspired the French to victory.

Important Periods and Events

• The Black Death: 14th-century plague that decimated Europe’s population, leading to significant social and economic changes.
• Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453): Conflicted between England and France over territorial claims, significantly impacting national identities and military tactics.