AP World History Chapter 11

Who is Clovis?

A Frankish king who converted the Franks to Christianity.

What is the Magna Carta?

A charter given to King John of England confirming feudal rights against monarchial claims.

How was the power of kings limited by feudalism and the church?

Feudalism did not allow for there to be large or very centralized empires because one lord could not provide so many resources or protections. The church limited political claims because it had a very organized hierarchical system, of which the pope headed. Feudalism also gave power to the wealthy aristocrats, who in turn limited the powers of the king.

What is feudalism, including the relationships between lords and vassals?

Feudalism is defined as a system in which greater lords offer protection and land, or other benefits, to vassars, who repaid them in military service and loyalty.

How did feudalism develop and how did it help kings gain power?

Feudalism originally developed after the fall of Rome. It began very locally, with one lord only having a few supporters to carry out missions. However, the expansion of feudalism to include many more people allowed kings to have significant military forces and loyal followers.

How did improvements in agriculture challenge the social structure of Europe, and lead to the rise of cities?

Improvements in agriculture led to an improvement in the lives of peasants. Landlord control and strict manorialism decreased. Gains in agriculture spurred larger changes in medieval economic life, and cities grew larger through rising trade.

What are three examples of expansionist impulses in Europe? What were the immediate effects of these impulses?

In Europe, Christians began to attack the Muslim government that held power in Spain. They also sailed across the Atlantic and instigated the Crusades to reclaim the holy (Muslim) lands. While some small military victories were won (and although the endeavor was mostly a failure), the Crusades portrayed the expansionist aggression of the West and introduced Middle Eastern culture to Europe.

What were the main differences between early European capitalism and the economic ethic of the guilds?

In early European capitalism, it was easier to gain and lose large amounts of money. The ways of obtaining these fortunes were often corrupt, and goods were frequently low quality. In economic guilds, monopolies on profits were actively discouraged and security was emphasized.

How do developments in European agriculture reflect the importance of new technology? What changes emerged?

It spurred new economic and cultural advancements. Better agricultural methods led to Europe making more money, loosening the bonds of serfdom, growing populations, and making city life more popular.

What is Manorialism and how did it affect relationships between rulers (landlords) and ruled (serfs)? What was life like for serfs?

Manorialism was a system of political and economic relations that became more prevalent after the decline of trade and lack of larger political structures. Rulers protected serfs or gave them in exchange for work on a manor (farm, basically). However, serfs worked very hard for little reward.

What is the Black Death?

Plague in Europe; reduced population and affected social structure.

How did the church go through periods of corruption and what were responses designed to purify the church?

Some figures in the church behaved like normal feudal lords and pursued money and power. In response, there was an upsurge of monastic activity, an insistence on the holiness of the priesthood, and an attempted ban on investiture in Germany.

What were the basic shifts in Western European characteristics at the end of the postclassical period? Why did medievalism begin to break down?

Some key components of Western vitality disappeared, such as the inability of agriculture to keep up with population, which led to famine. The power of the aristocracy also diminished with new military technology, the balance between church and state shifted, and cultural life broke down.

What is Reconquesta?

The "reconquering" of the Spanish peninsula from Muslim forces.

How did the Catholic Church wield both political and religious power?

The church appointed officials and regulated the doctrine that officials spread. They often used missionaries to compete with Orthodox Christianity. Politically, the Church also had power because of kings adopting the religion to gain prestige. The church also used monasteries to promote Christian unity and spread the religion.

How were medieval theologians influenced by the classical and Muslim worlds? To what extent was their work unique? How did it set the stage for Western philosophy and science?

The debates regarding how and whether to combine classical Mediterranean philosophies and scientific tradition was reflective of earlier Muslim debates. This knowledge originally came from classical and Arab knowledge. The logical methodology to solving theological issues set the stage for Western scientific and philosophical theory.

Who are the Carolingians/Charles Martel?

The royal house of Franks that defeated the European Muslim threat, thus stopping the arrival of Islam in Europe.

How did the growth of trade and banking affect Europe?

Trade and banking made capitalism prevalent in Western Europe. Rising trade between other regions, such as Asia, helped develop cities in Europe and advanced technology. Banking made organized commercial activity in Western Europe possible.

What characteristics mark the Middle Ages/medieval period in European history? How did Europe develop from 550-900 and what made that development difficult?

Characteristics of medieval Europe included Christianity, feudalism, an increasing network of trade, advancing agriculture, and an increasing position in global roles. However, political and religious disunity and fragmentation made the unification of Europe difficult.

To what extent was medieval culture influenced by Christian morality?

Christian morality was not diligently followed in day to day life, although religious devotion was expressed through art, architecture, and literature. Medieval writings often reflected philosophy, law, or politics.

How did early kings (like Clovis, Charles Martel, and Charlemagne) rise to power and consolidate their kingdoms? How did political disunity affect the unique development of Europe?

Early kings used Christianity as a tool to gain power. They fought in the name of religion and often temporarily united people under a Christian flag. However, political disunity meant that a large empire was impossible, and so unique regional kingdoms developed instead.

What is Charlemagne/Holy Roman emperors?

Emperors that claimed a holy mandate but did not develop a centralized monarchy.