Medieval Europe

What caused political and economic instability in Europe?

• The collapse of England

• The collapse of France

• The collapse of Greece

• The collapse of Rome

What was the only major institution in Europe that survived the collapse of Rome?

• The Bank

• The Church

• The Hospital

• The University

What created stability and promoted the preservation of learning and spread of Christianity in Europe?

• Feudalism

• Islam

• Manorialism

• Monasticism

Answer explanation

Monasticism brought Christianity from the city to the countryside. Monasteries was the only place for learning since schools were rare and universities did not exist.

Who united much of Europe under the Holy Roman Empire, spread Christianity, and encouraged learning?

• Charlemagne

• King Henry V

• King John III

• Julius Caesar

What created a government system based on loyalty that placed the king at the top and serfs at the bottom?

• Animism

• Caste system

• Feudalism

• Manorialism

Answer explanation

Feudalism was an agreement between kings and lords. A lord would become a king’s vassal. The king would give the lord a large amount of land, called a fief, and they would make certain promises to one another. The vassal would swear to fight loyally for the king, while the king pledged to protect and be loyal to the vassal.

What were self-sustaining estates owned by lords and worked by peasants and serfs?

• Fairs

• Fiefs

• Guilds

• Manors

Answer explanation

The lord of the manor gave the serfs access to the land and provided them with a mill and equipment. In addition, the lord carried out law and order, made important decisions, and protected the serfs from attack.

The serfs worked in the fields and did other necessary chores for the lord of the manor. They were responsible for providing the lord and the lord’s family with some of the food they grew and raised.

What two things increased food production in Europe? (Select two answers)

• Heavy plow

• Rake

• Three-field rotation

• Tractor

• Water hose

Answer explanation

The three-field rotation system involved dividing an area of land into three fields. One of the fields was planted in the fall, another was planted in the spring, and the third was left unplanted. Different crops were grown during different years on the same piece of land. This process allowed the soil to recover its nutrients.

medieval towns were dominated by ______ and grew increasingly autonomous from the feudal system

Answer explanation

Guilds were trade or professional organizations that set rules and practices to benefit their members and, in some cases, the public.

fairs played an important role in medieval _____

Answer explanation

Landowners made money from fairs by charging a fee or tax to the merchants who sold their goods.

Which event most likely led to the creation of monasteries?

• the fall of the Roman Empire

• the start of the feudal system

• the spread of Christianity by Charlemagne

• Pope Leo III’s founding of the Holy Roman Empire