Social Middle Ages GLA Review

Question 1

When did the Middle Ages begin and with what event?

Answer 1

The Middle ages begin with the fall of Rome on September 4, 476 AD

Question 2

Why did Europe become such a violent place during the Early Middle Ages?

Answer 2

Europe became such a violent place during the Early Middle Ages because the barbarian groups were constantly fighting over over power.

Question 3

Who is thought to be a key figure in bringing stability to Europe? How did he bring stability?

Answer 3

William the conqueror (William of Normandy) is thought to be a key figure in bringing stability to Europe. He did this by introducing the strict social/political/economic system called Feudalism.

Question 4

What are the Top 5 Roles in the Feudal Hierarchy?

Answer 4

1. Monarch
   2.Noble/Lords
   3.Knight
2. Peasant
   5.Serf

Question 5

What are the Top 5 Roles in the church hierarchy?

Answer 5

1.Pope
2.Cardinals
3.Archbishops
4.Bishops
5. Parish Priest

Question 6

Describe the hierarchical structure of medieval society, i.e., what are the levels? How does it work?

Answer 6

Monarch/King:
* The highest authority
* Owned all the land
* Granted land and titles to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service.

Nobles
* Directly below the monarch
* Received land in exchange for loyalty
* Administered of their fiefs

Knights
* Lower-ranking than nobles
* Provided military service

Serfs/Peasants
* lowest & majority of the population.
* Worked the land
* Tied to the land (can’t Leave)

Question 7

Why is the feudalism hierarchy often drawn in a pyramid shape?

Answer 7

The pyramid shape shows the feudal hierarchy of a single person at the top with the most power & the smallest portion of the triangle, while the majority of the population is located at the large base with the lowest social classes.

Question 8

What did Feudalism provide?

Answer 8

Protection to individuals
land that provides a place to live to individuals in exchange for loyalty and services.
People had access to land for subsistence farming, and trade.
a clear social structure, which brought order and predictability to a society where roles and responsibilities.

Question 9

What is a Manor and what is a Fiefdom?

Answer 9

A manor is the main house/castle that is responsible for the self-sustaining estate, often containing villages and agricultural land

A fiefdom or fief is the land granted to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and service to a higher-ranking person.

Question 10

What did a lord’s strength depend on?

Answer 10

The amount of land a lord controlled directly influenced their power.

Question 11

What two things did a lord need to defend his property and people?

Answer 11

The combination of a loyal military force and well-fortified strongholds.

Question 12

What were the best sites for castles?

Answer 12

The best places for castles were on hill tops as it provided a natural defense against attacks.

Question 13

How could a regular serf escape from serfdom? Explain.

Answer 13

A Serfs who managed to reach an urban for 1 year and 1 day without being recaptured.

Question 14

How many types of peasants were there and what was the difference between them?

Answer 14

Serfs
* most common type of peasants
* bound to the land
* farming resposiblities.
* payment of taxes

Free Peasants (Freemen):
* not bound to the land
* owned or rented land
* Paid taxes

Question 15

How was life as a merchant different from a peasant or lord?

Answer 15

Merchants focused on trade and economic opportunities.

They enjoyed more personal freedom

Question 16

How did a guild control society?

Answer 16

quality standards
Set prices

Question 17

What are two (2) positive aspects of being a serf and two (2) negative aspects of being a serf.

Answer 17

Positive
* Security and Protection
* Community and Social Support

Negative
* Limited Personal Freedom
* Dependency and Obligations

Question 18

Why do you think medieval people accepted without question what the church was telling them?

Answer 18

the Catholic Church was seen as the ultimate spiritual and moral authority.
The clergy had the power to intrepet the bible.
The Church emphasized the consequences of sin and the promise of salvation.
People were raised in religious environments, and the Church’s teachings were an integral part of daily life
few alternatives to the Church
The Church held significant political power, and its influence extended to monarchs

Question 18

What are two (2) positive aspects of being a merchant and two (2) negative aspects of being a merchant?

Answer 18

Positive
* Economic Opportunity and Prosperity
* Independence and Mobility

Negative
* Financial Risks and Uncertainty
* Social Vulnerability (people thought they were not to be trusted as they did not have allegiance.

Question 19

Why was religion so important to people living in the Middle Ages?

Answer 19

understanding the purpose of life, morality, and the afterlife
provided a moral code that helped people navigate their actions and behaviors
providing a sense of community and belonging
The pope and the clergy had the power to influence the monarchs
Religion was a fundamental aspect of cultural identity
Hierarchical Order

Question 20

What is a tithe? Explain what it was and who it was for.

Answer 20

A tithe is a practice of giving a portion of one’s income or produce, typically one-tenth (10%), to a religious institution.
Individuals from the noble, Knights, free peasants, and the serfs were required to make this oftening to the Church
Reasons for the tithe:
* Supporting the Church:
* a demonstration of one’s faith
* Community Welfare (Help those in need)

Question 21

Why do you think people would want to become a Monk or Nun? Support answer.

Answer 21

Religious Devotion (individuals deep connection to their faith)
provided support to the community
Educational Opportunities.
Escape from Social or Personal Challenges

Question 22

Describe 3 ways in which the church was central to people’s lives?

Answer 22

Spiritual education as no one could read the bible
Guidance that controlled daily actions
Community and Social Life

Question 23

The Church was the only organization at the time offering education. How did this role give the church power?

Answer 23

• Control over Knowledge - As the primary source of learning, it could influence what information was taught and to whom.

This control extended to both religious and everyday knowledge, giving the Church the power to shape people’s worldviews.

Question 24

What benefits did the church bring through educating people of the Middle Ages?

Answer 24

Enabled individuals of high social class to acquire reading and writing skills and gain access to knowledge.
Individuals learned about ethics, morality, and the importance of leading virtuous lives.
Education often reinforced shared cultural and religious values, promoting social cohesion and unity within communities.