1. The Middle Ages Study Guide

2. Geography What are the 4 geographic regions of Feudal Europe?
North European Plain
Northwest Mountains
Alpine Mountain System
Central Uplands

3. How do the geographic regions impact the people?
North European Plain – flat and rolling land; very fertile farmland; home to many rivers which provide resources; mild climate is also good for growing crops
Northwest Mountains- thin soil and steep slopes; climate is cold and dry; not good for farming
Alpine Mountain System- includes the Alps and Carpathian Mountains; lower mountain slopes and wide valleys good for farming; meadows above the timberline are good for grazing
Central Uplands-low mountains, high plateaus and forests; most is rocky but some is good for farming

4. Feudalism * a social, economic, political structure system which provided protection to the people *
What were the reasons for feudalism?
There were few central governments.
Feudalism met people’s need for protection and justice.

5. The 4 Social Classes of Feudalism:
monarch (king or queen)
lords
knights
serfs
These are listed in the order of importance.

6. the Church was important because:
Christians went on pilgrimages to Rome or Jerusalem (holy cities).
Some young people devoted their lives to religions (nuns and monks).
Magnificent cathedrals were built:
entire towns worked to build cathedrals
cathedrals were a major focus of the town
they took decades to build

7. the Church influenced the life of the people:
It offered hope and peace to the hardworking serfs.
It controlled nonreligious life (Catholics had to follow God’s law – no stealing or harming others).
The Church was the highest authority (the Pope) and guardian of God’s truth.
The Church controlled land and wealth.

8. What led to the Crusades?
the Crusades * 8 major military expeditions organized by Christians to free the Holy Land (Palestine) from the Muslims *
What led to the Crusades?
Muslim Turks were conquering many lands including Palestine.
Palestine was considered the Holy Land by Christians.
The Byzantine Emperor asked the Pope for help.

9. King John signing the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta contained 63 clauses and limited the power of the king.
King John signing the Magna Carta

10. Vikings were fierce pirates and warriors from Scandinavia.

11. chivalry a knight’s code of behavior: A true knight had deep faith
Was ready to die for the church
Gave generously to all
Used his strength against injustice

12. GRAPES Geography: Ural Mountains, 4 major land regions, many rivers,
temperate climate
Religion: Christianity, Crusades, monks, nuns, pope, missionary
Achievements: 3 field rotation system, Domesday Book,
manor system, Christine de Pisan, cathedrals
Political: Charlemagne, King John, Magna Carta, monarch
Economic: guilds, Silk Road, fairs, feudalism
Social: serfs, lords, knights, lady, chivalry

13. An Organized Social Structure
Civilization * a group of people living together who have organized systems of government, education, religion, and social structure *
Religion
Systems of Government
An Organized Social Structure
Education