U9 Middle Ages Test Information

Content Overview

• Early Middle Ages (EMA)
  • Focus on the snapshot of EMA and key terms such as manor, fief.

Western Europe Decline

• Post-Rome Collapse
  • Period known as the Dark Ages.
  • Causes: political disputes, Germanic invasions.
  • Effects:
    • Decreased trade, food surplus, and population.
    • Decline in job specialization (95% of Roman population disappeared).

Feudalism

• System of Rule
  • Local lords divided land among lesser lords (vassals).
  • In return, vassals pledged loyalty and service.
  • Key Terms:
    • Fief: Land estate worked by peasants.
    • Vassal: Lesser lord using land from a lord.
    • Lord: Controls land and vassals.
    • Knight: Mounted warrior; trained at the lord's castle.
• Feudal Contract
  • Exchange of fief for work.
• Manor: Lord's estate with villages.
• Serf/Peasant
  • Bound to land, not slaves; guaranteed food and shelter.
• Chivalry: Knightly code of conduct.
• Castle: Fortified living and refuge center.

Social Structure

• Religious Authority
  • Church influenced life; Pope at the top.
  • Interpreted scriptures and performed sacraments.
  • Ability to excommunicate rulers.
• Political Authority
  • Included kings, nobles, knights, and vassals.
• Monasticism
  • Monasteries as text repositories and education centers.
• Pilgrimage and Relics
  • Travel and relics as spiritual rewards.

High Middle Ages: Cultural Flourishing

• Trade Growth
  • Increase in trade routes and commercial centers.
• Towns and Guilds
  • More population and demand for goods.
  • Guilds and charters facilitated trade and protection.
• Scientific Learning
  • Translations of scientific texts and establishment of universities.
• Architecture and Music
  • Gothic styles and musical developments.
• Law Revival
  • Church and natural law codified.
  • Introduction of habeas corpus.
• Significance: Development of a stronger society.

U9 Crusades

• Beginning
  • Pope Urban's speech promising salvation.
• During Crusades
  • Initial success followed by failures.
  • Increased trade and cultural exchange with the East.

Jews in the Middle Ages

• Charter of Speyer, 1084
  • Jews given rights to trade and self-govern.
  • Christian resentment due to Jewish privileges.
• Economic Roles
  • Specialization in money lending.
  • Protection directives from the Pope.
• Doctrine of Witness
  • Jews seen as a testament to Christianity.
• Sumptuary Laws and Expulsion
  • Laws to prevent antisemitism.
  • Repeated Jewish expulsions and invitations.

England in the Middle Ages

• Norman Invasion
  • 1066: Normans conquer England, influencing language and architecture.
• Magna Carta
  • Limited monarch's power.
  • Influenced future legal systems like the U.S. Constitution.
• 100 Years War
  • Conflict over French succession.
  • Technological advancements in warfare.

U9 Schism

• Western Schism
  • Papal conflict with multiple claimants.
  • Resolved by electing a single pope.
  • Caused distrust in the church.

U9 Black Death

• Plague Impact
  • Massive mortality (1/3 to 1/2 of Europeans).
  • Decline in faith and economic shifts.
• Jews as Scapegoats
  • Accusations against Jews leading to massacres.

Key Definitions

• Decentralized Power: Shared power among various groups.
• Political Fragmentation: Divided rule by multiple leaders.
• Excommunicate: Banning from the church.
• Interdict: Nation-wide church censure.
• Usury: Charging of interest.
• Guild System: Craft and trade organization.
• Autonomy: Self-governance capability.

Study Tips

1. Create a review sheet from useful resources.
2. Understand the content, context, and purpose of texts.
3. Compare major shocks of the Late Middle Ages and their effects.
4. Analyze sample texts and their historical relevance.

Exam Format: Includes maps, multiple-choice questions, and paragraph comparisons based on provided texts.

Texts to Review:

• Pope Urban's Crusade Speech
• Charter of Speyer
• Augustine's "City of God"
• Magna Carta
• Black Death Chronicle
• Statute of Laborers

By focusing on understanding these key points and preparing through the suggested study methods, you’ll be well-prepared for the test on the Middle Ages.