Europe in the Middle Ages

During which period of the Middle Ages did the population increase dramatically?

• Early Middle Ages

• High Middle Ages

• Late Middle Ages

• The population did not increase whatsoever, due to the Black Plague.

What led to more peaceful and settled conditions in Europe starting during the High Middle Ages?

• The Feudalistic system had just started in Europe at this time, meaning that all of society had a designated role that led to increased productivity.

• The previous Kings of Europe were not concerned with the quality of life of their people, but that changed with new leaders during the High Middle Ages.

• Europe had been under attack by foreign groups, like the Vikings, which led to much death and destruction, which ended during the High Middle Ages.

• The social hierarchy came to include Serfs in Europe during this period, meaning that for the first time Nobles were able to utilize the free labor system.

Which of the following was NOT a reason for increased food production during the High Middle Ages in Europe?

• Instead of farming with a two-field system, they began utilizing a three-field system, which allowed them to farm more land while still leaving some land fallow.

• During this period they began making and utilizing farm tools made out of iron, such as axes and scythes.

• Technology had advanced to this point, allowing farm workers to harness both water and wind power to ease the burdens of physical labor.

• Due to the population rising during the High Middle Ages, there was an excess of free labor due to families having their children work the farms.

Which of the following statements should NOT be considered true regarding the lives of Serfs during the Middle Ages in Europe?

• Even though Serfs were a source of forced, fixed, labor they were allowed to have one day off of work a week to take care of their living requirements.

• By the year 800, during the Early Middle Ages, more than half of the population of Western Europe were Serfs.

• Serfs were legally bound to the land where they worked, they were not able to leave and had to provide labor services for their Knights and Noble/Lord.

• Even though Serfs were not being paid an actual wage for their physical labor, they still had to pay rent to the Noble who owned the land. 

Which of the following should NOT be considered true regarding life in the Middle Ages in Europe?

• Typically, the average peasant household in Manorial Europe was extremely small and made out of wood and clay.

• The life of peasants in Europe during this time was rather simple, but they lived under incredibly harsh conditions and had to complete physical labor.

• Peasant families formed great bonds during this period, and would help each other out if they did not have enough food to survive the season.

• Women typically had a more challenging role in this society due to having to complete hard physical labor, while also having children and maintaining the household.

Which of the following should NOT be considered true regarding the Revival of Trade during the High Middle Ages in Europe?

• The first cities that were primarily focused on increasing the amount of trade in Europe came out of Venice, Italy.

• This revival process began as an attempt by the Serfs to earn an additional income so that they could run from the farms, and earn their freedom.

• Trade thrived out of Italy due to their geographical location being not only surrounded by water on three-sides, but also through direct access to the Mediterranean Sea.

• Prior to this period, the vast majority of the population in Medieval Europe were living in small villages working in the agricultural field.

Which of the following statements should NOT be considered accurate regarding Cities during the High Middle Ages?

• During this period, merchants and craftspeople began once again moving into cities that had previously been created and part of the Roman Empire.

• Newly built cities were extremely crowded together, and most homes were made out of wood with fire being the only light and heat source.

• During this period, many new cities and towns were constructed in Western Europe and were relatively inexpensive to build.

• Cities in Europe during the Middle Ages were extremely dirty due to both human and animal waste, as well as their being air pollution due to smoke.

Which of the following should NOT be considered true regarding work in cities during the High Middle Ages?

• During the High Middle Ages, cities became increasingly important centers for the manufacturing of goods.

• During this period, the cost of manufactured goods that were available became much more expensive due to the need for factories for production.

• Starting around the year 1000, crafts people began to organize themselves into groups based on their professions, such as tanners or carpenters.

• During the High Middle Ages, the majority of goods that were made were produced in the cramped housing available in cities, which created a fire hazard.

Which of the following should NOT be considered true regarding architecture and education during the High Middle Ages?

• During this period of Medieval Europe, the vast majority of the buildings that were created were churches due to the ever increasing power of the Catholic Church.

• Those that had the opportunity to go to university during the High Middle Ages were only able to choose from three majors; law, medicine, and theology.

• During this period, the vast majority of the population had some level of higher education due to the fact that books were so inexpensive.

• One of the greatest artistic achievements that came from the Middle Ages was the Gothic style of architecture.

Which of the following should NOT be considered true regarding the Black Death, and its start in the Late Middle Ages?

• The Black Plague eventually reached Europe from North America, after travelers returned and brought the disease back with them.

• The disease was first introduced to Europe via Italian merchants that brought the disease to Sicily in October of 1347.

• At its origin, the Black Plague typically followed trade routes throughout Europe and spread further via humans.

• The plague was spread through infected fleas, who then infested rats, who then infected humans.