History The Middle Ages Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Middle Ages Flash Cards for quick revision



Introduction to the Middle Ages

A period in European history that lasted from the 5th to the 15th century, characterized by feudalism, knights, and significant social, political, and cultural changes.

Feudalism

A social and economic system in which land is exchanged for military service and loyalty, with kings, lords, and vassals forming a hierarchical structure.

Knights and Chivalry

Warrior nobles who followed a code of conduct known as chivalry, emphasizing honor, bravery, and loyalty.

The Crusades

A series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land, resulting in cultural exchange and the spread of ideas.

The Black Death

A devastating pandemic that swept through Europe in the 14th century, causing widespread death and social upheaval.

The Hundred Years' War

A series of conflicts between England and France from 1337 to 1453, resulting in significant political and military changes.

The Renaissance

A period of cultural and intellectual rebirth in Europe, marked by advancements in art, science, and philosophy.

The Inquisition

A series of Catholic Church-led investigations and trials aimed at suppressing heresy and maintaining religious orthodoxy.

The Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 that limited the power of the English monarchy and established certain rights for the nobility.

The Vikings

Seafaring Norse warriors and traders who raided and explored Europe from the late 8th to the early 11th century.

The Norman Conquest

The invasion and conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066, leading to significant political and cultural changes.

The Great Schism

A split within the Catholic Church from 1378 to 1417, resulting in rival popes and a loss of faith in the institution.

The Byzantine Empire

The eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, known for its rich culture, architecture, and preservation of classical knowledge.

The Mongol Empire

One of the largest empires in history, founded by Genghis Khan and known for its military conquests and cultural influence.

The Hanseatic League

A commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northern Europe during the Late Middle Ages.

The Reconquista

A centuries-long period of Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule, ending in 1492.

The War of the Roses

A series of civil wars in England from 1455 to 1487, fought between the rival houses of Lancaster and York for the throne.

The Tudor Dynasty

A royal house that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, known for its significant political, religious, and cultural changes.

The Ottoman Empire

A powerful and long-lasting empire that emerged in Anatolia in the 13th century and expanded to become a major world power.

The Age of Exploration

A period of European exploration and discovery from the 15th to the 17th century, leading to global interactions and colonization.

The Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the creation of Protestant denominations.

The Spanish Inquisition

A campaign by the Catholic Church to suppress heresy in Spain, resulting in the persecution and expulsion of Jews, Muslims, and other non-Catholics.

The Scientific Revolution

A period of intellectual and scientific advancements in the 16th and 17th centuries, challenging traditional beliefs and paving the way for modern science.

The Enlightenment

An intellectual and philosophical movement in the 18th century that emphasized reason, individualism, and progress.

The French Revolution

A period of radical social and political upheaval in France from 1789 to 1799, leading to the end of the monarchy and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrialization and technological advancements in the 18th and 19th centuries, transforming society and the economy.

The American Revolution

A war fought from 1775 to 1783 between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies, resulting in the establishment of the United States of America.

The Napoleonic Wars

A series of conflicts fought by Napoleon Bonaparte and his allies against various European powers, resulting in significant territorial changes.

The Victorian Era

A period of British history from 1837 to 1901, characterized by Queen Victoria's reign and significant social, economic, and technological changes.

The Russian Revolution

A series of revolutions in Russia in 1917, leading to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

The World Wars

Two global conflicts fought from 1914 to 1918 and 1939 to 1945, involving major world powers and resulting in significant geopolitical changes.

The Cold War

A period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union from the late 1940s to the early 1990s.

The Space Race

A competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve milestones in space exploration, particularly the first human on the moon.

The Civil Rights Movement

A social and political movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, advocating for equal rights and an end to racial segregation.

The Vietnam War

A conflict fought between North Vietnam (supported by the Soviet Union and China) and South Vietnam (supported by the United States) from 1955 to 1975.

The Fall of the Berlin Wall

The symbolic end of the Cold War, marked by the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the reunification of East and West Germany.

The Information Age

A period characterized by the rapid development and widespread use of digital technology, leading to significant changes in communication and information access.

The Globalization Era

A period of increased interconnectedness and integration of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.

The War on Terror

A global military campaign launched by the United States and its allies after the September 11 attacks, targeting terrorist organizations and their supporters.

The Digital Revolution

A period of rapid technological advancements in digital technology, leading to significant changes in communication, entertainment, and commerce.

The Climate Crisis

The ongoing environmental and social challenges resulting from climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss.

The Future of History

Speculations and predictions about the future of humanity and the course of historical events, influenced by technological advancements and societal changes.