Download Lesson 2: The Birth of the Middle Ages

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Social Studies Study Guide
Chapter 11: Europe in Transition
Lesson 2: The Birth of the Middle Ages
Matching
Directions: Match the term on the left with the definition or example on the right. Write the
appropriate capital letter in the space provided. (Pages 340-347)
1. ________ Charlemagne
2. ________ Chivalry
3. ________ Eleanor of Aquitaine
4. ________ Feudalism
5. ________ fief
6. ________ King John
7. ________ Magna Carta
8. ________ manor
9. ________ Middle Ages
10. ________ serf
11. ________ vassal
12. ________ William the Conqueror
A. A legal document written by English lord
that limited the power of the king.
B. A noble who usually was given a fief by
his lord in exchange for loyalty.
C. A period in European history between
500 and 1400 A.D.
D. A person who was bound to work on a
noble’s manor in return for protection.
E. A property given to a vassal in exchange
for loyalty.
F. A system for organizing and governing
society, based on land and service.
G. Duke of Normandy; in 1066 he became
the first Norman king of England.
H. Frankish king and emperor from 800 to
814.
I. King of England from 1199 to 1216;
signed the Magna Carta.
J. Queen of France; encouraged
development of medieval art, poetry, and
culture.
K. The qualities of the ideal knight,
including politeness, bravery, honor, and
protecting the weak.
L. A large self-sufficient estate granted to a
lord and worked by serfs.
Questions
Directions: Answer each of the following questions in complete sentences and in cursive.
Pages: 340-347
1. Where in Europe did Muslims establish a Muslim state? (p. 341)
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2. What might have happened to Europe if Charles Martel had not defeated the Muslims at
Tours? (p. 341)
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3. How do you know that Charlemagne respected learning? (p. 342)
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4. What happened to the Frankish kingdom after Charlemagne’s son died? What effect did this
have on Europe? (p. 342)
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5. Why do you think Europeans were so afraid of the Vikings? (p. 342)
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6. Why is the date 1066 so important to English history? (p. 343)
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7. How did the Norman Conquest change England? (p. 343)
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8. HISTORY MYSTERY: Legend has it that Arthur and his knights sat at a round table. Why
do you think a round table was chosen? (p.343)
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9. Why did feudal kings divide their lands into fiefs? (p. 344)
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10. What was the difference between a vassal and a serf? (p. 344)
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11. What helped make the castle a safe place? Where was the church in relation to the castle?
(p. 344)
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12. Why might a serf want to live in a town? (p. 345)
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13. What was the code of knighthood? Summarize it. (p. 345)
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14. Who forced England’s King John to sign the Magna Carta? (p. 346)
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15. What did the Magna Carta say about the powers of the king? (p. 346)
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16. PRIMARY SOURCE: According to the Magna Carta, nobles, or “free men,” could be
imprisoned only under what circumstances? (p. 346)
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