The Decline of Feudalism

habeas corpus

the legal concept that an accused person can't be jailed indefinitely without being charged of a crime

How did the Hundred Years' War Start?

English Monarchs had fiefs of French land. Finally, Philip of VI of France declared the land French land.

Why were English able to defeat the French in early battles?

English soldiers used the long bow, which went faster, farther and more accurately than cross bows. They also paid commoners to fight as recruits. They also had foot soldiers that were lightly armored and agile.

What are symptoms of the bubonic plague and why is it called Black Death?

Fever, vomiting, fierce coughing, sneezing fits, black and blue egg sized bumps called buboes, which is why it is called the bubonic plague.

How was the plague spread?

Fleas fed on the blood of infected rats. When the rats died the fleas would go to other animals and sometimes people! The dirty conditions people lived in also contributed to the bubonic plague.

What was Model Parliament and why was it created?

Edward I created a governing body called Model Parliament including commoners, low ranking clergy and high level church officials. He did so hoping to include more people in government.

What were Henry II legal reforms and how did this affect feudalism?

He decided a jury had to formally accuse someone of serious crime. Cases were then tried before a royal judge. In theory, no one would be thrown in jail without committing a serious crime. This strengthened the power of royal courts, weakening the power of feudal lords. Henry II also issued the Constitutions of Claredon stating the king's traditional rights like he could try clergy accused of serious crime in royal court instead of church court.

Where did the bubonic plague travel?

It originates in Central Asia, goes to the Black Sea along the Silk Road, carried on a ship to Italy, then spread to England, Germany and France.

Who was Joan of Arc and what did she do at the Hundred Years' War?

Joan of Arc inspired people and created unity. Joan was a 17-year-old-peasant girl. She said she heard the voices of saints urging her to fight. So she went to fight. Joan of Arc led the French in the Battle of Orleans. The French won and she gained the nickname the "Maid of Orleans." A year after the battle of Orleans, she was captured. The English pushed church leaders to accuse Joan a witch and a heretic. Once accused she was burnt at the stake.

What changes did Magna Carta bring?

King John lost English territory in France, heavily taxed barons, quarreled with the Catholic Church and ignored baron's traditional rights. Then, angry nobles met with King John in Rennymede and asked him to sign Magna Carta. Magna Carta was an agreement saying that King John could still rule as long as he still observed common law and traditional rights of nobles and the church. He had to consult the nobles and church officials before opposing special taxes and no free man could be jailed unless he committed a serious crime, leading to the English idea Habeas Corpus. This shows the monarch is not higher than the law.

bubonic plague

a deadly contagious disease caused by bacteria and spread by fleas (Black Death)

Model Parliament

a governing body created by King Edward I of England that included some commoners, Church officials and nobles

heretic

a person who holds beliefs that are contrary to a set of religions beliefs

Hundred Years' War

a series of battles fought between England and France 1337-1453

Magna Carta

a written legal agreement signed in 1215 that limited the English monarch's power