Feudalism Study Guide
1. What was the nickname given to the Middle Ages? Dark Ages
2. The period known as “The Middle Ages” in Western Europe was characterized by: the
manor system and the importance of land ownership
3. Who would most likely have said the following? A vassal or lord
“If you give me your loyalty, I will give you land and protection.”
4. What was a knight’s most important training? fighting
5. The art, music, and philosophy of the medieval period in Europe generally dealt with:
religious themes
6. Many workers died during the plague. How did their deaths affect those who remained?
They were able to demand better pay and more rights.
7. What were the Holy Wars called? Crusades
8. These actions are examples of what process? Strengthening the power of the church
 Outlawing the selling of church positions
 Prohibiting kings from appointing priests
 Excommunicating Holy Roman emperor Henry IV
9. A historian found a document that included the passage below, knowing only that it was
from the 1200s.
In the first place we have granted to God, and by this our present charter
confirmed for us and our heirs forever, that the English church shall be
free….No sheriff or bailiff of ours, or other person, shall take the horses or carts
of any freeman for transport duty, against the will of the said freemen.
What conclusion could the historian draw based on this passage? At the time the document
was written, free men had very few rights.
10. How did the bubonic plague spread from Asia to Europe? Across the Black Sea and the
Mediterranean Sea
11. Serfs were peasants who were not allowed to marry without permission.
12. What started the bubonic plaque? Fleas from rats
13. Mountains and Rivers shaped European culture by: separating cultures from one
another
14. What do these medieval items have in common? They were all examples of military
technology.
Stone Wall
Moat
Knight’s Armor
15. Medieval paintings often told the story of Christ’s life. What does this suggest about
people at that time? Most could not read.
16. Poor living conditions, crowded homes, spread of diseases, lack of medical treatment and
medical knowledge during Medieval Europe led one to believe which of the
following? The life span of an individual was not as long as it is today.
17.
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19.
Members of which group believed that God had given them the right to rule? Monarchs
Which statement best describes the result of the Crusades?
a. Europeans maintained a lasting control over much of the Middle East.
b. Islamic influence dominated Europe.
c. Europeans developed tolerance of Non Christian religions.
d. Trade between Europe and the Middle East was expanded.
In the feudal system, an individual’s social status was generally determined by birth.
20. . As merchants made money, many joined town councils. What best describes the
situation that resulted? Many merchants gained political power.
21. What was Joan of Arc accused of being? A witch
22. . What was Joan of Arc’s punishment? She was burned at the stake.
23. What were two indirect results of the Crusades? Trade and commerce increased and
the feudal system was weakened.
24. In Medieval Europe, what type of person might have spoken these words? A stoic
I believe we all have a spark of godly intelligence, that we must live in agreement
with nature, and that we must develop good character.
25. Which of these is NOT true of the Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages?
a. Church leaders helped govern western Europe.
b. Each parish had its own pope.
c. The church owned valuable land and property.
d. Daily life in village revolved around the church.
26. Members of which group believed that God had given them the right to rule? monarchs
27. Who would have been most likely to make the following statement? A pilgrim
I am traveling to Jerusalem to show God how sorry I am for having sinned.
I hope we have a safe journey.
28. Both the plague and the Hundred Years’ War had what effect? They led to a shift in
power from feudal lords to common people and monarchs.
29. The Roman Catholic Church during the Middle Ages in Europe can best be described as a
church that: was a stabilizing influence during a period of weak central gov’t.
30. The Crusades have been called “history’s most successful failure.” Which statement
best explains this expression? The Crusades did not achieve their original goals, but
they brought many desirable changes to Europe.
31. What was the name of the Document that King John was forced to sign limiting the
power of the King? Magna Carta
32. “All things were under its domain….Its powers were such that no one could hope to
escape its scrutiny.”
What European institution during the middle ages was best described in this statement?
church
33. If you were a customer who bought shoes from a cobbler, how might a guild help you?
By making sure cobblers made good shoes
34. In Europe, a long term effect of the Crusades was: an increased demand for goods
from the East.
35. What does Magna Carta mean? Great Charter
36. In Europe during the Middle Ages, the force that provided unification and stability was
the Roman Catholic Church.
37. 11The term feudalism means a political and social order that was highly centralized.