Major People
Who was a French peasant woman who became a national symbol during the Hundred Years’ War?
Joan of Arc
What term refers to violent attacks against specific religious or ethnic groups, especially Jews in medieval Europe?
Pogrom
What pandemic devastated Europe in the 14th century, killing a large portion of the population?
The Black Death
What event caused a split within Christianity, weakening Church authority in Europe?
The Great Schism
What major empire in Eastern Europe collapsed, marking the end of a long Roman tradition?
The Byzantine Empire
Which Renaissance thinker argued that rulers should prioritize power and stability over morality?
Machiavelli
What word describes ideas or institutions that are separate from religious authority?
Secular
How did the Black Death contribute to social and economic change in Europe?
Labor shortages increased workers’ bargaining power.
How did the Great Schism contribute to the decline of the Church?
It damaged unity and trust in Church leadership
How did the fall of the Byzantine Empire affect Europe?
It ended a major center of political and cultural continuity.
How did Joan of Arc influence the Hundred Years’ War?
She boosted French morale and helped turn the tide in favor of France.
Why did pogroms increase during times of crisis like the Black Death?
Minority groups were scapegoated and blamed for societal problems.
What long conflict between England and France lasted over a century?
The Hundred Years’ War
Why did the Black Death reduce confidence in the Church?
The Church failed to stop the disease or explain it effectively.
What political entity in Central Europe gradually lost power to local rulers?
The Holy Roman Empire (HRE)
What political idea is most associated with Machiavelli’s writings?
That those in power need to do whatever is needed to do, to stay in power. The ends justify the means
How does the concept of secularism relate to the Renaissance?
There was increased focus on worldly life rather than strictly religious matters.
How did the Hundred Years’ War contribute to the decline of feudalism?
It weakened nobles and increased the power of monarchs.
How did secular ideas challenge the authority of the Church during this period?
People began valuing human reason and worldly success more than religious guidance.
Why did the Holy Roman Empire decline?
Weak central authority and powerful regional rulers.
Which historical movement influenced Machiavelli’s views on leadership and government?
The Renaissance
Why did warfare and disease together weaken medieval European society?
They caused population loss, economic disruption, and political instability.
What broader trend weakened religious authority across Europe during this era?
The decline of the Church
How did the Italian city-states contribute to the Renaissance?
They supported art, learning, and secular ideas through wealth and patronage.