Middle Ages Study Guide

Crusades effect on trade-Increased trade and a taste for Asian goods

Role of monasteries- Centers of learning, healthcare, and agriculture

What brought plague to Europe- Fleas on rats through traders

Only type of Christian church in Middle Ages- Roman Catholicism is the dominant Christian church

Architectural style of Cathedrals- Gothic spires with high ceilings and arched windows and doors

Argument between church and state-Who should have the right to rule people and specifically choose bishops for the church

Growth of trade… strength of kings- Trade increased wealth and power of kings through taxes raised

Who were Normans?-Ancestors of William the Conqueror and the Vikings

Results of 1st Crusade- Jerusalem was captured by Crusaders

Persecution in Europe- During Crusades attacks increased at home on Jews, Muslims, and heretics

Excommunication of Henry IV- Pope Gregory punished Henry for trying to remove him from being Pope

Pope Gregory VII- Concordat of Worms declared Pope’s authority over secular and religious leaders

Strength of nobles- Wealthy aristocrats who controlled land and wealth also had their own military to protect their land and castles

Magna Carta- Took away rights of kings and said that kings are not above the law

Parliament- Started as an assembly to help kings raise taxes

Trial by jury- US law was influenced by Magna Carta by giving rights to trial to people

King John/ Magna Carta- Angry nobles over taxes and military failures forced John to “sign” Magna Carta or lose their support

Control of Holy Land at end of Crusades- Muslims control most holy sites and Jerusalem

Heresy- Accusation of believing/ teaching things contrary to the Bible

Results of 4th Crusade- Pope was displeased and angered by behavior and looting of Constantinople

Jews in Spain 1492- Jews who didn’t convert to Christianity were banished

Results of 2nd Crusade- Failure because kings and leaders couldn’t work together. Muslims retook control of Jerusalem

ESSAYS: Choose One

Explain how the church influenced ordinary people’s lives in different ways during the Age of Faith.

How did the changing relationship between King Henry II of England and Thomas Becket demonstrate the conflict between Church and state?

What rights were afforded by the Magna Carta, and how has this document influenced other governments?