Developments in Europe - AP World History
- Which Italian city-state was crucial to the development of the Renaissance?
- Florence. Birthplace of Renaissance humanism and art.
- What significant event took place at the Council of Constance (1414-1418)?
- Resolution of the Western Schism. Ended papal crisis with three competing popes.
- Identify the architectural style characterized by pointed arches and ribbed vaults.
- Gothic architecture. Features height and light through structural innovations.
- What document, signed in 1215, is considered a cornerstone of constitutional government?
- The Magna Carta. First document limiting absolute royal authority.
- Which war saw the Lancastrians and Yorkists fight for the English throne?
- The Wars of the Roses. Dynastic civil war in 15th century England.
- Identify the military expeditions aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control.
- The Crusades. Religious wars spanning 1095-1291.
- Who was the Italian poet famous for writing 'The Divine Comedy'?
- Dante Alighieri. Epic poem depicting journey through Hell, Purgatory, Paradise.
- Identify the economic system based on land ownership and personal loyalty.
- Feudalism. Hierarchical system organizing medieval society.
- Which architectural feature is characteristic of Romanesque cathedrals?
- Thick walls and rounded arches. Earlier medieval style emphasizing solidity and strength.
- Identify the philosophical school that aimed to synthesize Christian theology with classical philosophy.
- Scholasticism. Medieval intellectual movement combining faith and reason.
- What was the purpose of the Magna Carta?
- Limit the power of the English monarch. Established that even kings must follow law.
- Which philosopher is associated with the concept of 'natural law'?
- Thomas Aquinas. Synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christianity.
- Who was the English monarch that signed the Magna Carta in 1215?
- King John. Forced to accept limits on royal power.
- Which empire was known for its use of mosaics and domed architecture?
- Byzantine Empire. Eastern Christian empire centered in Constantinople.
- Which ruler was known for the extensive building of Gothic cathedrals?
- King Louis IX of France. Saint Louis promoted Gothic architectural style.
- What was the impact of the Great Schism on the Catholic Church?
- Division into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic. Split Christianity into competing papal claims.
- Which city was a major trade hub in northern Italy during the Renaissance?
- Venice. Wealthy maritime republic controlling eastern trade.
- Which university, established in the 12th century, became a center for theological studies?
- The University of Paris. Major center for scholastic theology.
- What is the term for the medieval European code of conduct for knights?
- Chivalry. Medieval knightly ideals of honor and courtesy.
- Which important battle in 1066 led to Norman control of England?
- The Battle of Hastings. William the Conqueror defeated Harold II.
- What was the primary cause of the Hundred Years' War?
- Dispute over the French throne. Edward III claimed French crown through his mother.
- Which scholarly language was used in medieval European universities?
- Latin. Universal language of scholarship and church.
- Which dynasty was established in England after the conclusion of the Wars of the Roses?
- The Tudor dynasty. Henry VII founded new royal house.
- What was the focus of scholasticism?
- Reconciliation of faith and reason. Combined Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine.
- Which pandemic significantly reduced Europe's population during the 14th century?
- The Black Death. Killed one-third of Europe's population 1347-1351.
- Which institution dominated religious life in medieval Europe?
- The Catholic Church. Controlled education, politics, and spiritual life.
- What was the main architectural advancement of Gothic cathedrals?
- Flying buttresses. External supports allowing thinner, taller walls.
- Who was the French heroine who led troops during the Hundred Years' War?
- Joan of Arc. Peasant girl who claimed divine visions.
- What major event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire in 1453?
- Fall of Constantinople. Ottoman conquest ended the last Roman Empire.
- Who initiated the first of the Crusades in 1095?
- Pope Urban II. Called for holy war at Council of Clermont.
- What was the key economic system in medieval Europe?
- Feudalism. Land-based system with lords and vassals.
- What was the primary purpose of guilds in medieval cities?
- Regulate trade and protect artisans. Medieval associations controlling crafts and commerce.
- What was the major intellectual revival during the 12th century known as?
- The 12th Century Renaissance. Period of renewed classical learning and translation.
- What was the primary language of the Byzantine Empire?
- Greek. Eastern Roman Empire maintained Greek traditions.
- What event in 1215 limited the power of the English monarchy?
- Signing of the Magna Carta. Established constitutional limits on monarchy.
- What was the role of monasteries in medieval Europe?
- Centers of learning and manuscript preservation. Preserved classical texts and education.
- Identify the medieval European practice of granting land in exchange for military service.
- Feudalism. System of military service for land grants.
- What was the primary motivation for the Crusades?
- Reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. Religious warfare to recover Christian holy sites.