Part 1 - Feudalism And The Black Death Flashcards
What is feudalism?
A medieval system where land was exchanged for loyalty and service. Lords gave land (fiefs) to vassals, who provided military support, creating a structured society.
What is a knight?
A noble soldier who fought on horseback and followed a code of chivalry. Knights served their lords in battle and protected the land.
What is a vassal?
A person who received land from a lord in return for loyalty and services. This mutual exchange was the foundation of the feudal system.
What is a fief?
A piece of land granted by a lord to a vassal. It was both an economic resource and a symbol of loyalty in feudal society.
Characteristics of the Black Death
The Black Death was a devastating pandemic that swept through Europe between 1347 and 1351, killing an estimated 25 to 50 million people—about one-third of Europe’s population. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, spread through fleas carried by rats. Symptoms included swollen lymph nodes (buboes), high fever, chills, vomiting, and blackened skin from internal bleeding, giving the disease its name. The pandemic spread rapidly due to trade routes like the Silk Road and crowded, unsanitary urban centers.
How Did People Respond to the Outbreak of Disease?
People responded with fear and desperation, turning to religion, fleeing cities, or blaming minority groups like Jews, leading to violence. Some sought cures through bloodletting or burning herbs, while others relied on quarantines, though these efforts were mostly ineffective.
