WH2 Vocab. Unit 1 (Middle Ages)

Question 1

Roman Catholic Church (and 4 factors it took hold)

Answer 1

The Roman Catholic Church was the primary unifying force in Western Europe during the Medieval Era.

Once Rome fell, Christians streamed into Rome creating Roman Catholicism. THen, several medieval popes organized the church into acquiring land, money, and political power. Rome emerged as the seat of papacy. Birth of Islam caused religious fervor.

Question 2

Pope

Answer 2

The pope ruled over the church from his seat in Rome; also called papacy.

Question 3

Missionaries

Answer 3

the church benefited from the work of missionaries. Missionaries helped spread the Gospel or the word of Christ. Converted non-believers

Question 4

Monks

Answer 4

the church benefited from the work of monks. Men of monasteries

Question 5

Monasticism

Answer 5

Monasticism allowed men and woman (monks and nuns) to withdraw from society and consider their own spirituality in a peaceful manner

Question 6

Feudal System

Answer 6

an institution based on land ownership and loyalty that provided structure and organization during the Middle Ages

An exchange between one man and another, land for protection, power for loyalty

Leader of a given kingdom grants land parcels to nobles/lords. Noble/Lord becomes subordinate and pledges his loyalty to the king, along with services and possessions, in exchange for protection.

Question 7

Fief

Answer 7

a land parcel granted to someone who pledges his subordinance to the king

Question 8

Vassal

Answer 8

what a noble/lord becomes once he is granted a parcel of land

Question 9

Chivalry

Answer 9

code of honor; served as glue of the political order

Question 10

Homage

Answer 10

once a nobel/lord pledged his loyalty, he went through this solemn ritual pledging fidelity and fealty in order to cement the bond

Question 11

Fealty

Answer 11

The insubordinate would swear this in the ceremony of Homage.

Question 12

Manorialism

Answer 12

the physical structure of a lords land; existed as its own village. had a church, mill, various industries (banking, cobbling, etc.), homes, farmland

Question 13

Agricultural Revolution (1050 CE)

Answer 13

change in the production and distribution of farmed goods. In 1050, a series of technological breakthroughs allowed Europeans to produce food easier and more efficiently.

Question 14

Heavy Plow

Answer 14

a machine that allowed for the development of heavy European soil by turning it over and fully aerating it. Less human labor and more speed

Question 15

Three-Field System

Answer 15

Crop rotation; one field was to be harvested in the fall, another was to be harvested in the spring, and the last would lie fallow. This system allows for the land to recover itself and ensure better crops

Question 16

Water/Wind Moll

Answer 16

used for grinding crops and engaging in the light industry

Question 17

Padded Collar

Answer 17

horses could pull farm equipment with greater ease

Question 18

Iron

Answer 18

in the Agricultural Revolution of 1050, it allowed for more stable and durable parts in farm equipment

Question 19

Agrarian

Answer 19

of or relating to cultivated land or the cultivation of land.

Question 20

Tithe

Answer 20

was money set aside for a particular charitable purpose, but, being of permanent institution, might revert to those who originally received it.

Question 21

Bubonic Plague/Black Death

Answer 21

a disease originally spread between rats and transported through flea bites/blood contact. Combined with the Pneumonic Plague as the leading cause of death in the 14th century.

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Question 22

Pneumonic Plague

Answer 22

those who survived the Bubonic Plague became susceptible to this disease; almost always fatal and impacts the lungs directly. Combined with the Bubonic Plague as the leading cause of death in the 14th century.

Question 23

Famine

Answer 23

scarcity of food. A cold and rainy harvesting season struck Europe in 1315-17 killing considerable crops. Starving people cannot fight diseases the same way nourished can. Second leading cause of population loss in 14th century.

Question 24

Hundred Years War

Answer 24

1337-1453. England and France battled each other over land, trade, and throne succession. Mostly just individual raids.

Question 24

Christendom

Answer 24

world wide body or society of Christians. Grew especially rampant during Middle Ages

Question 25

Knights

Answer 25

a man who served his lord. “Lesser nobles who fight and do not own land Given land by nobles in exchange for fighting services; also a “vassal”. 3rd highest in social hierarchy