Crusades
What were the Crusades?
A series of religious wars launched by Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.
What was the Black Death?
A deadly plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, killing millions.
Hostility and discrimination against Jewish people became widespread in Europe. What is this commonly known as?
Anti-Semitism
Who were considered heretics and why were they seen as a threat?
Heretics were individuals or groups who went against the official teachings of the Catholic Church. They were seen as a threat because their beliefs challenged Church authority, which could weaken religious and political control.
What is Manoralism?
An agricultural system that developed during medieval times centered on farming
What city was the main goal of the Crusaders?
Jerusalem
How did the Black Death spread?
It spread via fleas on rats, which were transported through trade routes.
The Catholic Church forbade charging interest on loans (usury). How did Jewish bankers contribute to Europe's economic growth?
Jewish bankers provided loans, allowing trade and business to expand, as Christians were forbidden from charging interest.
What beliefs or actions were commonly associated with witches?
Witches were accused of practicing dark magic, making pacts with the devil, and causing misfortune (such as crop failures or disease). Many accusations were based on superstition and fear.
What was the Three Feild system?
One section of land was reserved for the lord to live on
The second and third sections where made for the peasants to live and farm on.
What was one positive and one negative effect of the Crusades?
Positive – Increased trade between Europe and the Middle East. Negative – Led to religious tensions and violence.
How did the Black Death affect the European economy?
Labor shortages led to higher wages for peasants and weakened the feudal system.
European leaders often borrowed heavily from Jewish banks. What happened to Jewish communities when economic hardship struck?
Jewish communities were often blamed for financial crises, leading to persecution, forced expulsions, and violence (pogroms).
How were heretics and witches punished by authorities?
Heretics were often put on trial by the Church (such as through the Inquisition) and could face execution, typically by burning at the stake. Witches were often subjected to torture, drowning tests, or public executions, such as hangings or burnings.
What is a Guild?
Association of Craftsmen that set product standards and regulated prices eliminated competition among members leading to higher prices and controlling manufacturing.
How did the Crusades contribute to the end of feudalism?
Nobles sold land to fund their crusades, allowing kings to consolidate power and towns to grow.
What were some social and religious effects of the Black Death?
People lost faith in the Church, blamed minorities for the plague, and questioned traditional institutions.
Due to persecution, many Jewish communities were forced to migrate. Where did they go?
Many Jewish communities fled to Poland, the Ottoman Empire, and other areas where they had more religious tolerance and economic opportunities.
What impact did the persecution of heretics and witches have on society?
Fear and suspicion spread, leading to widespread accusations and distrust within communities. It reinforced the power of religious and political leaders while often targeting marginalized groups, especially women in the case of witch trials.
What are the roles of women in the middle class?
Women managed households but could also work as artisans or craftspeople/ Peasants women worked outside the home in any way that was productive and helpful
How did contact with the Islamic world during the Crusades shape European intellectual development?
Europeans were exposed to advanced Islamic science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy, sparking a revival in learning.
What long-term effects did the Black Death have on European society?
It contributed to the decline of feudalism, increased wages, and encouraged medical and scientific advancements.
Despite discrimination, Jewish scholars and merchants made significant contributions to medieval Europe. What are two areas where Jewish influence was especially strong?
Finance (banking, trade) and scholarship (medicine, philosophy, translations of classical texts).
What was one major effect of witch trials on society?
They created fear and led to many false accusations and executions.
Explain how a Serf could fain Freedom.
If a Serf was able to move to a city and was able to live there for a year and a day gained freedom from feudal obligations. Typically after escaping to pay their way