Unit Two - The Middle Ages

Essential Question: “What political and economic systems emerged in the Middle Ages and how was the Church a unifying force?”

Assessment (Essay): Question: Which labels for the Middle Ages best describe the era between 500 and 1400 in Europe: The Dark Ages, the Age of Feudalism, the Age of Faith, or the Golden Age of Europe? You must discuss three labels .

ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS:

• · Communication was limited between Medieval societies
• · Manor life discouraged developments of new technologies
• · Christianity was the dominant force in the life of Medieval people
• · Trade was non-existent in the Feudal economic system
• · Status on the Feudal social pyramid determined a person’s rights, prestige, and power
• · Education was often conducted under the auspices of the Catholic Church where certain subjects were taught and only accessible to a few.
• · Medieval societies were ravaged by the Plague and other diseases

Key Terms and Names

Reading Comprehension (Questions to Consider)

European Middle Ages

Section One - Charlemagne Unites Frankish Kingdoms (pg 702-711)

1. Explain the changes in the economy, government, and culture of Western Europe that took place as a result of the Germanic invasions.
2. How did the concept of government change under German rule?
3. How did Clovis unify and rule the Franks?
4. Who was St. Benedict? What important role did the monasteries play in Medieval Europe?
5. What is meant by the term secular? How did the Christian Church become secular?
6. Who was Charles Martel? Explain the importance of the Battle of Tours?
7. How did Charlemagne extend Frankish rule?
8. How did Charlemagne encourage learning in Medieval Europe?

Section 2 - Feudalism in Europe (pg 712-724)

1. Explain the impact of Viking, Magyar and Muslim attacks on medieval society?
2. Explain the system of rights and responsibilities for each member of the Feudal social pyramid? In what ways were the social classes well defined?
3. Explain the economic side of Feudalism? How did this impact trade?
4. Describe the harshness of manor life?

Sec 3 - The Age of Chivalry (page 725-736)

1. How did technology change warfare?
2. What was the role of the warrior in Feudal society?
3. Explain the Code of Chivalry.
4. How were young knight’s trained?
5. What was the reality of medieval warfare?
6. How did medieval literature downplay the brutality of warfare?
7. Explain how literature and music portrayed life in medieval society?
8. What was the role of both noble and peasant women in Feudal society?

Section 4 -The Power of the Church (p737-748)

1. Explain the far reaching authority of the Church.
2. Explain the organization of the Church.
3. How did Catholicism unify the people of medieval Europe?
4. What is canon law? How was it set up and enforced?
5. Who was Otto I? How did he use the Church to gain power?
6. What was lay investiture? Explain the lay investiture struggle and how it was resolved at Worms?
7. Explain the reign of Frederick I? How did his reign create disorder in the Holy Roman Empire?