Medieval Europe
What is Fueldalism?
Feudalism was a system where kings granted land to nobles in exchange for loyalty and military service, while peasants worked the land.
What were castles primarily used for during the Medieval period?
Castles served as fortified homes for nobles, defensive strongholds, and centres of administration.
What is a shogunate?
A shogunate was a military government in Japan, led by a shogun who held real power while the emperor was mainly symbolic.
What was the Black Death?
The Black Death was a deadly plague that swept through Europe
How did European society begin to change after the Black Death?
The population decline led to higher wages, more land per worker, and a gradual shift in social and economic structures.
Name one key cultural or architectural achievement of Medieval Europe.
The construction of grand Gothic cathedrals and castles, which showcased advanced building techniques and artistic design.
How did the location of a castle enhance its defence?
Castles built on hills or near natural barriers, such as rivers, benefited from natural protection against attacks.
What was the role of the samurai during the Shogun period?
Samurai were the warrior class who followed a strict code (Bushido) and protected their lords and communities.
When did it occur?
In the mid-14th century.
What economic effect did the Black Death have on Medieval Europe?
Labour shortages increased workers’ bargaining power, which raised wages and altered economic relationships.
How did the Catholic Church influence everyday life in Medieval Europe?
The Church guided religious practices, education, law, and even politics, playing a central role in people’s lives.
Who were the knights and what was their role in castle defence?
Knights were heavily armored warriors who defended the castle and upheld a code of chivalry.
How did the Tokugawa Shogunate control foreign trade?
It enforced a policy of isolation (sakoku), limiting trade to certain ports such as Nagasaki.
How did the Black Death primarily spread across Europe?
It spread along trade routes, often carried by fleas on rats that traveled on merchant ships.
In what way did the Black Death contribute to cultural and intellectual change?
It led many to question traditional authorities, helping to pave the way for the Renaissance and later Enlightenment ideas.
Identify one important figure from Medieval Europe and explain their role.
Charlemagne expanded and unified much of Western Europe, influencing politics, culture, and education.
In addition to defence, how did castles function in everyday life?
They were also centres for managing land, hosting social gatherings, and overseeing local justice.
Describe the feudal structure in Japan during the Shogunate period.
Japanese society was divided into rigid classes—from the emperor to the shogun, daimyo (regional lords), samurai, and peasants.
What was one immediate impact of the Black Death on the population?
It caused a massive decline in population, leading to labour shortages and economic disruption.
How did trade recover after the Black Death?
As communities rebuilt, trade routes were revitalised, leading to renewed economic growth and cultural exchange.
What role did trade routes play in Medieval European society?
They connected different regions, promoting the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices.
Name two key defensive features commonly found in castles.
High walls and moats were typical defensive features designed to slow down or stop attackers.
Name one lasting influence of the Shogunate period on modern Japan.
Many traditions, including the samurai code (Bushido) and social customs, continue to influence Japanese culture today.
How did the Black Death affect the social structure of Medieval Europe?
With many people dying, survivors often found better opportunities, which began to shift traditional class roles.
Why is the period after the Black Death considered important in European history?
It marked the beginning of significant social, economic, and cultural changes that moved Europe from the medieval to the early modern era.