Updated History Exam Flashcards
What is Humanism, and how did Francesco Petrarch contribute to it?
Humanism is a belief system that emphasizes the potential and abilities of humans, celebrating their talents as a gift from God. Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) was a key figure in creating this movement, challenging the idea that everything good happened solely due to God’s will. He believed humanity represented perfection and should use their gifts in service to God. He also emphasized the importance of language, particularly Latin and Greek, as living entities that could grow and evolve.
What were the key features of the University of Bologna in the 14th century?
The University of Bologna (c. 1350) was known for its focus on the Liberal Arts, including subjects like Mathematics, Law, Philosophy, Algebra, Art, History, and Religion. It attracted wealthy men who sent their sons for education. The term ‘Liberal’ comes from the Latin word Liber, meaning free or a book. Education at these universities was crucial for gaining knowledge and status, but women were often excluded, receiving private tutoring instead.
What role did women play in Humanism, and what was the educational disparity between men and women?
Women were largely excluded from universities, but Humanism provided some opportunities for them through private tutoring. They were taught Latin and Greek, enabling them to translate original texts while men learned from multiple translations of translations. Despite these educational challenges, women like Christine de Pizan wrote about gender equality and the abilities of women, challenging the societal norms of the time.
How did the Medici family and Giovanni Domenici relate to Humanism?
Giovanni Domenici, a cleric and member of the Dominicans, opposed Humanism, arguing that it was incompatible with Christianity and devalued religious values. The Medici family, particularly Cosimo Medici, supported Humanism. Cosimo was a wealthy banker who played a major role in funding the arts and education in Florence, helping establish the Medici family’s power. Despite his eventual blindness, Cosimo is said to have expressed that he was ‘preparing for eternity.’
Why was Joan of Arc burned at the stake?
Joan of Arc was burned at the stake because she was declared a witch and a heretic, but in reality, it was because she wore male clothing.
When did the Hundred Years’ War end, and what happened afterward?
The Hundred Years’ War ended in 1453 with the Battle of Castillon. After continuous losses, England withdrew from France, and the war officially ended after 163 years of fighting. France began rebuilding its countryside.
What is an Absolute Monarch?
An Absolute Monarch is a ruler who holds absolute power, with no limits on their authority.
What happened to Constantinople in 1453?
In 1453, the Byzantine Empire fell when Mehmed II attacked Constantinople. He used giant cannons and brought ships over the metal chain that protected the city. Constantinople was captured and became Istanbul.
What happened to the Hagia Sophia after Constantinople fell?
After Constantinople fell to the Ottomans in 1453, the Hagia Sophia, once the largest Christian church, was converted into a mosque by the Muslims.
What happened to Henry IV and Henry V in England?
Henry IV was often sick and ruled mostly from bed. After his death, Henry V took over and became known as one of England’s greatest kings. Shakespeare wrote a play about him, making Henry V a legendary figure. Between 1413 and 1415, he won many battles, including the Battle of Agincourt.
What was the significance of the Battle of Agincourt?
The Battle of Agincourt took place in 1415 between the French (50,000+ troops) and the English (8,000+ troops). Despite being outnumbered, the English won due to their use of the longbow and the rain, which made the French cavalry ineffective. Henry V gave a famous speech before the battle to inspire his troops, and the victory became legendary.
What was the Treaty of Troyes, and what did it mean for England and France?
The Treaty of Troyes (1420) was an agreement between England and France that gave England control of France after Charles VI’s death. It stated that Henry V would marry French Princess Catherine of Valois and become King of France. However, after Henry V died from dysentery, his son, Henry VI, became king, leading to the resumption of the war.
How did Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) help France in the war?
Jeanne d’Arc, a young peasant girl from Domrémy, claimed to have been sent by God to lead France to victory. She convinced the Dauphin, Charles VII, to give her control of the army. She led France to win several key battles, which boosted French morale and angered the English, who believed she was divinely inspired.
What happened to Henry VI after Henry V’s death?
After Henry V’s death, his son, Henry VI, became king. However, Henry VI showed signs of mental illness (possibly Porphyria, like his grandfather Charles VI). His reign led to further conflict, and the war with France resumed. Despite his young age, Henry VI’s rule was troubled and eventually led to civil unrest.
What was the significance of the Schism during Urban VI’s papacy?
The Great Schism was a division in the Catholic Church where Urban VI (in Rome) and Clement VII (in Avignon) were both declared pope, leading to confusion and conflict. Urban excommunicated Clement, and vice versa, which caused a split in Europe, making it hard for people to trust the church.
What happened during the Council of Pisa in 1409?
The Council of Pisa aimed to end the Schism by electing a new pope, Alexander V. However, both Urban VI and Clement VII refused to recognize the new pope, resulting in three popes (Rome, Avignon, and Pisa) and further deepening the schism.
What was Wat Tyler’s role in the English Peasant Revolt of 1381?
Wat Tyler led the English Peasant Revolt in 1381, which started as a peaceful protest against high taxes and poor living conditions. It turned violent after Tyler was killed by the mayor of London during a meeting with King Richard II, leading to the deaths of many peasants.
Who was John Wyclif, and what were his beliefs?
John Wyclif was a theologian and leader of the Lollards, a group that criticized the church’s wealth and practices. He rejected the idea of transubstantiation (the belief that bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ) and argued for reforms within the church.
What was the importance of Gregory XI’s papacy and his decision to move the church?
Gregory XI moved the papacy back to Rome from Avignon in 1377, following advice from Catherine of Siena. The church’s return to Rome was seen as a restoration of its power, but Gregory XI died before the move could be fully completed, leaving the church divided once again.
What was the doctrine of Transubstantiation, and what was Wyclif’s view on it?
Transubstantiation is the belief that during Communion, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. John Wyclif rejected this idea, arguing that it was not true and challenging the church’s teachings on the Eucharist.
Who were St. Rochus and St. Sebastian, and how were they linked to the plague?
St. Rochus and St. Sebastian were early Christian martyrs. People believed that praying to them could help stop the plague. St. Sebastian was killed by arrows while tied to a tree, and people saw his suffering as a connection to the plague’s spread.
What was the significance of pilgrimage during medieval times?
Pilgrimages were trips to holy sites for prayers, offerings, and spiritual change. However, pilgrims were often vulnerable to robbery, making these trips dangerous. Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales features a famous pilgrimage to St. Thomas Becket’s shrine.
Why was Jean le Bon of France known as ‘John II – The Good’?
Jean le Bon was known for being a decent and hedonistic king who enjoyed relaxation and luxury. However, his lack of interest in war contrasted with Edward III of England, leading to less military engagement during his reign, especially after 1350.
What happened at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356?
At the Battle of Poitiers, Edward the Black Prince (son of Edward III) and King John II of France met on the battlefield. The French, including crossbowmen, were defeated, and King John was captured, marking a major English victory and the beginning of French instability.
What was the Jacquerie uprising, and what did it represent?
The Jacquerie (1358-1359) was a peasant revolt in France during the civil war. The peasants, fighting for better living conditions, were unsuccessful, but it marked the first major peasant uprising in France.
What role did Pope Gregory XI play in restoring the church during his papacy?
Pope Gregory XI (1370-1378) sought to restore the church’s power, introducing the first Inquisition to force people back into the church. He also responded to Catherine of Siena’s vision, agreeing to move the papacy back to Rome from Avignon.
What were trebuchets, and how were they used during medieval times?
Trebuchets were large, slingshot-like weapons capable of launching heavy objects like cows or even modern-day cars. The idea was to launch these animals, and when they fell, their exploding guts would spread, causing fear and chaos. They also used this tactic with sick people during the plague.
Did people in medieval times bathe regularly?
Contrary to popular belief, people did bathe in medieval times. However, they didn’t bathe as frequently as we do today. Their bathing was more akin to a spa day, and not the quick showers we associate with modern hygiene.
What is ‘Yersinia Pestis,’ and how did it contribute to the spread of the plague?
Yersinia Pestis is a bacteria spread by fleas, primarily from rats. It played a crucial role in spreading the Bubonic Plague, particularly in trade centers like Kaffa, where rats and fleas carried the disease from animals to humans.
How did the Bubonic Plague change people’s views on mortality?
The Bubonic Plague made many people believe that God was angry and punishing them. This fear was further fueled by Dante’s Inferno, which contributed to a heightened sense of dread about hell and the afterlife.
What is Purgatory, and how does it relate to medieval beliefs about the afterlife?
Purgatory is a concept in medieval Christianity where souls who weren’t bad enough for hell could purify themselves before entering heaven. This idea, along with the Dance Macabre, reinforced beliefs that death was the ultimate equalizer, regardless of one’s status or age.
What was Blood Libel, and how did it impact the Jewish community during the plague?
Blood Libel was a myth that accused Jews of using Christian children’s blood in their rituals. This belief led to violence against Jews, as many blamed them for causing the plague. The Pope later denounced this myth, correcting the false accusations.
Who were the Flagellants, and how did they contribute to the spread of the plague?
The Flagellants were a devout group who believed that God wanted suffering as a form of sacrifice. They would whip themselves in public, causing pain and drawing attention. Unfortunately, their practice of wearing hair shirts (made of horsehair) to cause discomfort attracted fleas, which helped spread the plague.
What is the military strategy known as ‘scorched earth,’ and how was it used in the Hundred Years’ War?
Scorched earth is a military tactic where everything the enemy values is destroyed to make life miserable for the common folk (serfs). This forces the enemy, in this case, Philip VI, to come out and engage in battle.
How did Edward III fund his wars during the Hundred Years’ War?
Edward III had limited wealth and couldn’t rely on regular income from the kingdom. He raised funds through taxation of the common folk, private loans from Italy, and forced loans (which were often not repaid), as well as extortion from others.
What role did Parliament play in financing Edward III’s wars?
Parliament controlled the kingdom’s finances, and if the king needed money, he had to go through them. Since Parliament was made up of nobles, Edward III often had to trade his power for money, weakening his authority and giving more power to Parliament.
What happened during the Battle of Sluys (1340), and why was it significant?
The Battle of Sluys was the first major battle of the Hundred Years’ War. Edward III’s forces attacked Philip VI’s fleet, which was bottled up in a cove. Edward’s victory at Sluys helped him secure control of the English Channel and boosted his position in the war.
What was the impact of weather and terrain on the Battle of Crecy (1346)?
The heavy rain prior to the battle made the ground muddy, slowing down the French cavalry, which was crucial for their attack. The cavalry was unable to move properly, leading to their destruction and the English victory, despite repeated charges by the French.
What happened to Kaffa in 1340, and why was it important to the broader conflict?
Kaffa, a trade city located in present-day Crimea, was besieged by the Mongols in 1340. The Mongols used biological warfare, throwing infected bodies into the city, which contributed to the spread of the Bubonic Plague. The fall of Kaffa played a significant role in the spread of the plague across Europe.
Why was Isabella, the wife of Edward II, called ‘Isabella the She-Wolf of France’?
Isabella earned the nickname due to her strong personality and assertiveness, especially in her disagreements and confrontations with her husband, Edward II. She played a significant role in his overthrow and imprisonment.
What happened to Edward II after being overthrown by his wife Isabella?
Edward II was imprisoned by Isabella and eventually died in captivity. His death was shrouded in mystery and rumor, with some claiming that he was subjected to abuse, though this is debated among historians.
What is the concept of Primogeniture, and how did it affect inheritance in medieval England?
Primogeniture is the practice of favoring the firstborn male child for inheritance. In medieval England, the firstborn male son inherited the throne and property, while younger sons often entered the church or inherited less. If there were no male heirs, distant male relatives would take over.
How did the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France affect relations with England?
The Auld Alliance (1295) was an agreement between Scotland and France, primarily formed to counter the threat of England. This alliance worsened relations between England and France, especially after Edward III sought control of Scotland, leading to further tensions.
What led to the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War in 1337?
The Hundred Years’ War began when Edward III of England, who had previously controlled Guyenne, refused to recognize Philip VI of France as his superior. Philip took Guyenne from Edward, and mutual threats were exchanged, leading to the declaration of war in 1337.
What is the military strategy known as ‘scorched earth,’ and how was it used in the Hundred Years’ War?
Scorched earth is a strategy where an army destroys everything in its path, including crops and towns, to make life miserable for the enemy. This tactic was employed in the Hundred Years’ War to force the opposing side to come out and fight under harsh conditions.
What happened when the king attempted to kidnap Pope Boniface VIII, and what was the outcome?
The king sent guards to kidnap Pope Boniface VIII, but they lacked an exit plan and were unable to leave. Instead of kidnapping him, they beat him, and Boniface eventually died. A popular myth spread that Boniface had gone insane and ate his hands, but this was untrue. His successor was Clement V.
Why was the marriage between Edward III and Philip VI’s daughter delayed, and how was it formalized?
Edward III’s son, Edward, was 12, and Philip’s daughter was an infant, so they had to wait until she reached the legal age for marriage (13 for a male and when a female starts menstruation). The marriage was formalized through a proxy marriage, ensuring they were officially bonded despite the delay.
What happened during the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and what was the outcome for William Wallace?
After the death of Alexander III in Scotland, a rebellion arose. During the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1296, both sides fought on a bridge that eventually collapsed. William Wallace, a leader of the rebellion, was captured and executed in 1305 by Edward I, who considered him a traitor.
How did Philip IV of France deal with the Knights Templar, and what led to Jacques de Molay’s execution?
Philip IV wanted the wealth of the Knights Templar and accused them of heresy, even though they had no wealth. Jacques de Molay, their leader, was tortured and eventually declared the Templars heretics. In a public trial, De Molay refused to accuse the Templars of wrongdoing and instead condemned Philip and Clement V. As a result, he was burned at the stake, and both Philip and Clement died later that year.
What was the Avignon Papacy, and how did it affect the papacy’s relationship with France?
The Avignon Papacy (1309–1377) was a period when the papacy was controlled by France. During this time, the Pope resided in Avignon instead of Rome, leading to increased French influence over the papacy and a shift in political power dynamics within the Catholic Church.
Who was Dante Alighieri, and what is his most famous work?
Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) was an Italian poet, best known for writing the Divine Comedy, which includes the famous Inferno, detailing a journey through hell. He famously placed Pope Boniface VIII in hell due to his hatred for him.
What was Dante’s portrayal of Hell in the Divine Comedy, and what did it introduce to Western culture?
In the Divine Comedy, Dante describes a journey through multiple levels of Hell, starting with Purgatory. His depiction of Hell revolutionized Western culture’s understanding of Hell, creating a lasting influence on how it is viewed in Christian theology.
What were the Seven Deadly Sins, and how did Dante address them in his work?
The Seven Deadly Sins are Anger, Gluttony, Envy, Pride, Lust, and Sloth. Dante writes about them in the Divine Comedy, with Sloth being unique as it originally was one of eight sins but was consolidated into one, symbolizing idleness or depression. He also explored the Seven Heavenly Virtues, such as Patience, Charity, and Humility.
What major action did Edward I of England take in 1290, and what was the reason behind it?
Edward I of England expelled the Jews in 1290. He was financially struggling and had borrowed money from Jewish bankers, so he decided to expel them and seize their wealth as a solution to his financial troubles.
What was the nature of the conflict between Edward I of England and Philip IV of France, and how did it affect the political landscape?
Edward I and Philip IV had conflicts over territories like Flanders and their respective kingdoms. Edward’s interference in Scottish affairs and Philip’s disputes with the papacy escalated tensions between them. Philip opposed papal authority, while Edward dealt with similar power struggles, particularly concerning tithes, leading to disputes with Pope Boniface VIII, who issued papal bulls to assert control.
