Middle Ages 2

Q When did the Middle Ages take place?

A 500 to 1500 AD

Q Why is the period also known as the Dark Ages?

A This period is also known as the Dark Ages because many books and records were lost and scientific progress slowed down. Trade became harder, leading to economic problems.

Q What was the Classical Period?

A Great achievements; considered "bright times" due to accomplishments in art and architecture, contrasting with the Middle Ages' decline.

Q How did the decline of trade networks during the Dark Ages contribute to the overall characterization of this period?

A Knowledge wasn’t spread, and people lacked essential resources.

Q What is feudalism?

A Feudalism is a social, economic, and political system that dominated Europe during the Middle Ages, based on land exchange for loyalty/service.

Q How did feudalism impact European society?

A Social Structure: Rigid class structure limited mobility.
Economic System: Land cultivation and food production.
Political Power: Decentralized power to local lords.
Cultural Development: Distinct regional cultures reflecting local values.

Q Who was part of the feudal system?

A
Kings/Queens: Held authority and land.
Lords/Barons: Governed land received from the king.
Vassals: Granted land by lords for military service.
Knights: Served lords, followed chivalry.
Peasants/Serfs: Farmed the land; serfs required permission to leave.

Q Why did feudalism develop in Europe during the Middle Ages?

A Post-Roman Empire, Europe faced invasions, necessitating local power for protection. Land was wealth; lords ensured security for loyalty.

Life on the manor:

• Practiced feudalism

• Peasants farmed lords' lands.

• Manors were self-sufficient estates.

• Peasant homes were simple; lords lived in stone homes/castles.

• Manors included places to pray, villages.

• Life revolved around agriculture.

• Activities included carpentry, weaving, blacksmithing.

What was life like in a city?

• Cities had craftsmen, merchants, lawyers, bakers.

• Wealthy children had tutors; others attended school.

• People drank ale or wine.

• Marriages were arranged.

• City life offered social mobility.

• Homes were timber-made, multistory.

• Trade expanded, evolving into an economy.

• Guilds controlled trade, providing training.

What roles did the Roman Catholic Church take on?

A The Roman Catholic Church held authority, provided education and community, influenced politics, promoted education, and built architecture.

Pope - Cardinals, Bishops, Abbots - Priests - Catholics

Why did the Church have so much power during the Middle Ages?

A Owned ⅓ of land, had widespread Catholic following, and a lack of central government.

What was one method the Pope could use to influence political leaders?

a) Excommunication

Why did the Church start the Crusades?

b) To reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control

What was a major criticism of the Church during the later Middle Ages?

b) The Church was corrupt, and some clergy sold indulgences

Social changes

• Peasants/serfs demanded higher wages.

• Feudalism declined.

• Living standards rose; social classes shifted.

Economic changes

• Wages changed for farmers/workers.

• Trade declined due to plague concerns.

• Survivors earned more.

• Feudalism ended.

Religious changes

• Plague caused religious fervor, viewed as divine punishment.

• Religious fanatics emerged.

• Forgiveness sought; more services held.

• Priest shortages occurred.

Cultural changes

• Questioning of old ways began.

• Italians found solace in art, leading to the Renaissance.

• Social structure shifted.

• Abilities mattered more than family.

• Talent development was encouraged.

The Crusades

The Crusades were wars to control Jerusalem, encouraged by the Catholic Church with promises of remission of sins.

The First Crusade was the only successful one for Christians.

King Richard the Lionheart fought Saladin during the Third Crusade.

The Fourth Crusade attacked Constantinople.

What was one main reason the Crusades began?

To reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control

Who gave the famous speech that inspired the First Crusade?

Pope Urban II

Which crusade ended with the capture of Constantinople
d) Fourth Crusade

What was a positive effect of the Crusades on Europe?
c) Increased trade and exchange of ideas

Explain why Jerusalem was important to both Christians and Muslims during the Crusades.

Jerusalem was important to both Christians and Muslims

Describe one way the Crusades changed life in Europe.

The crusades changed life in Europe because people could change their social class.

What was the Hundred Years’ War?

A conflict between England and France lasting 116 years, initiated by claims over the French throne.

Who was involved in the Hundred Years’ War?

England and France fought over land control.

Who was Joan of Arc and what impact did she have?

Joan of Arc, a peasant girl, led the French army to lift the siege of Orleans, inspiring troops and liberating the city.

What was the impact of the Hundred Years’ War?

It caused suffering, evolved military tactics, influenced arts, and shifted political power towards France.

What was the Magna Carta?

Created in 1215, it declared that all people, including the king, had to obey laws.

How did the Magna Carta influence the United States?

Inspired democracy and human rights movements; influenced key documents like the Constitution.

Why was the Magna Carta written?

To limit King John's power and protect barons' rights due to heavy taxation and unjust imprisonment.

What was the impact of the Magna Carta?

Limited the king's power, created Parliament, and eliminated absolute monarchy.

Habeas Corpus meaning

Habeas Corpus is part of due process: fair trial, a lawyer, and protection against false imprisonment.