Middle Ages Review Flashcards

Front

Political changes in England, the bubonic plague, and the Hundred Years' War

Back

contributed to the decline of the feudal system.

Answer explanation

Political changes, the bubonic plague, and the Hundred Years' War weakened the feudal system by reducing the power of lords and increasing the importance of individual rights and opportunities, thus contributing to its decline.

Front

What impact did the bubonic plague have on the population of Europe?

Back

About a third of the population died, 30% - 60 %

Answer explanation

The bubonic plague led to a significant decline in Europe's population, with estimates suggesting that about a third, or 30% to 60%, of the population perished due to the pandemic, making this the correct choice.

Front

How did the plague change the lives of the survivors?

Back

All of the above: Common people gained more power due to a shortage of workers, pay increased, many peasants and serfs moved to cities, and peasants rebelled against nobles.

Answer explanation

The plague led to a power shift for common people due to worker shortages, prompting higher wages. Many peasants moved to cities, and when nobles attempted to restore the old order, it sparked rebellions. Thus, all options are correct.

Front

What is one reason the English were victorious in many of the early battles of the Hundred Years' War?

Back

They had archers armed with longbows.

Answer explanation

The English were victorious in many early battles due to their archers armed with longbows, which had a longer range and greater rate of fire than other weapons, allowing them to effectively target enemy forces from a distance.

Front

What effect did Joan of Arc have on the Hundred Years' War?

Back

She inspired the French to drive the English out of France.

Answer explanation

Joan of Arc inspired the French forces with her leadership and vision, leading to significant victories that boosted morale and ultimately helped drive the English out of France during the Hundred Years' War.

Front

How did the Hundred Years' War affect the importance of knights on the battlefield?

Back

The effectiveness of knights was reduced by the English longbow, which could pierce their armor.

Answer explanation

The English longbow significantly reduced the effectiveness of knights, as it could penetrate their armor, leading to a decline in their dominance on the battlefield during the Hundred Years' War.

Front

Where do historians believe the bubonic plague originated?

Back

central Asia.

Answer explanation

Historians trace the origins of the bubonic plague to central Asia, where it is believed to have first emerged before spreading to other regions, including Europe and North Africa.

Front

In both England and France, the Hundred Years' War caused a rise in

Back

national pride and identity

Answer explanation

The Hundred Years' War fostered a sense of national pride and identity in both England and France, as people rallied around their nations in the face of conflict, distinguishing themselves from each other.

Front

Why had castles become less useful by the end of the Middle Ages?

Back

Castles now offered little protection, because of the invention of cannons.

Answer explanation

Castles became less useful by the end of the Middle Ages primarily due to the invention of cannons, which rendered their walls less effective for protection against attacks.

Front

What led to the decline of feudalism in England?

Back

All of the above: political developments, such as the Magna Carta, the bubonic plague, the Hundred Years' War, the Crusades.

Answer explanation

The decline of feudalism in England was influenced by multiple factors: the Magna Carta limited royal power, the bubonic plague reduced the labor force, the Hundred Years' War shifted power dynamics, and the Crusades altered social structures.