The Middle Ages, and some midterm exam study tips

Good evening, class:

Here are a few terms and questions to help you prepare for the midterm exam, regarding the Middle Ages chapter:

1. Gothic Architechture
2. Charles the Great (Charlemagne)
3. Holy Roman Empire
4. St. Francis of Assisi
5. Frederick I (Barbarosa)
6. Henry VI
7. Pope
   
8. Innocent III
9. Golden Horde
10. King Louis VII (France)
11. King Phillip II (France)
12. Feudalism
13. King Henry II (England)
14. Saint Thomas Beckett
15. Reconquista
16. Vassal
17. Manor
18. The Champagne Fairs
19. The Crusades (One through Six)
20. Abisengians (Cathars)
21. Waldensians
22. Guild
23. Scholasticism
24. Thomas Aquinas
25. Vikings
26. Podesta
27. Cortes
    
28. Constantinople
29. Troubador
30. Romance and Lay
31. Dante Alighieri
32. Canonical Courts
33. Magna Charta
34. Parliament
    

1. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, what institution was the strongest force in Europe? What effects did this institution have on learning, government, and everyday life in Western Europe in the Middle Ages?

2. How did the power of the Pope change from the early Middle Ages to the late Middle Ages?

3. How did Thomas Aquinas help the church and early universities co-exist?

4. Sometimes, historians call the Middle Ages, "The Dark Ages," claiming that there was very little learning, writing, and music being produced at this time, and people believed only in what the church told them and superstition. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

5. What lasting effects have the Crusades had on Europe and its relations with the Islamic world?

6. How did the coming of "Vernacular" literature (literature written in languages that common people could read) change the church's influence over Europe?


Finally, as you are preparing for the exam, try to look for patterns through the events described in class and in the book. Compare and contrast these civilizations. Think about how government, the role of religion, economics, and geography all changed how these civilizations behaved and thought of themselves. History is not about memorizing names and dates, but about understanding patterns and changes.

Good luck, and have fun! See you January 15!