TOPIC: THE MONGOLS
I. The Mongols (1100s-1400s)
I. The Mongols (1100s-1400s)
A) Introduction
1) The Mongol people originated on the steppes (grassy plains) of Central Asia.
2) The Mongols lived in a harsh physical environment and survived as nomadic pastoralists-
They raised animals and migrated frequently in search of grazing lands for their animals.
A) Introduction
1) The Mongol people originated on the steppes (grassy plains) of Central Asia.
2) The Mongols lived in a harsh physical environment and survived as nomadic pastoralists-
They raised animals and migrated frequently in search of grazing lands for their animals.
what does the black death refer to
The Black Death refers to the major disease (called bubonic plague) that killed 25 million people in Europe (almost 1/3 of the population) during the late Middle Ages.
A) The Renaissance was the Golden Age of Western Europe. The Renaissance had the following characteristics what are they
1) Like all Golden Ages, there were amazing achievements in the arts, literature, and
science.
2) Renaissance scholars studied art and books from ancient Greece and Rome.
3) Humanism- There was a focus on humans and life on earth instead of on God and
Heaven. Also, there was a shift to individualism and becoming well-rounded people (“Renaissance Man”) that are interested in many topics.
what was the religious revolution that challenged the Catholic Church and led to the further division of Christianity.
The Protestant Reformation
Who invented the printing press
Johannes Gutenberg
who established the largest empire in history (what people)
The mongols
where did the black death originate from
The disease started in East Asia
why did The Renaissance began in Italy
The Italian city-states (like Venice and Florence) had great economies. These areas
controlled Mediterranean trade and grew very wealthy. Much of this wealth was used to
support artists.
what were the Causes of the Protestant Reformation
1) Europeans were angry that the Catholic Church was too concerned with worldly issues
(i.e.- money and power).
2) Europeans were angry about indulgences- Reductions in punishment that were sold by
the Catholic Church.(pay for sins to be forgiven)
why was The printing press important
1) It helped spread new ideas quickly.
2) It helped spread the Protestant Reformation since people like Martin Luther were able to
Print copies of their writings for others to read.
3) It increased literacy (the ability of people to read and write) since books were now easier
and cheaper to obtain.
who was an Italian merchant who visited the Mongols in China and remained there for almost 20 years.
Marco Polo
what were some of the major effects of the black death
1) Depopulation- The population of Europe decreased from 85 million to 60 million.
2) Feudalism continued to decline as serfs fled from manors for better opportunities.
3) Trade temporarily decreased.
what are some Famous artists of the Renaissance
Donatello, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and
Raphael
who were the Key leaders of the Protestant Reformation
1) Martin Luther- German monk who created the 95 Thesis, which were 95 arguments
against the sale of indulgences.
2) Henry VIII- King of England who separated from the Catholic Church because he wanted
a divorce from his wife and the Catholic Church would not allow it.
3) John Calvin- Swiss reformer who believed in predestination, which is the idea that God
already knows who will be punished and who will be saved (i.e.- sent to Heaven)
why are the mongols important
1) Trade and travel between Europe and Asia increased TREMENDOUSLY during Mongol rule since the Mongols kept peace and prevented violence along trade routes (like the Silk Road).
2) Influence on Russia
Niccolo Machiavelli- Famous author of the Renaissance who wrote a book called “The Prince,” which is a guide for government leaders. Its main theme is about political power and how to keep it. what are the books key ideas
1) Rulers must have absolute power and do whatever is necessary to stay in power (even if
that means dishonest and cruel behavior).
2) “The end justifies the means”- Leaders must do whatever is necessary to help their
nation.
what were the Effects of the Protestant Reformation
1) The power of the Catholic Church (and the Pope) decreased.
2) The power of monarchs (kings) increased since they gained power over religion.
3) Religious unity in Europe came to an end- Before the Protestant Reformation, almost
everyone in Western Europe was Catholic. Now there were large numbers of Protestants
Too.
4) Catholic Counter-Reformation - The Catholic Church’s response (they try to fix some of the wrongs so they don’t lose more power and support)