# AP World History: Modern - Night Before Review 🚀 Hey! Let's make sure you're feeling super confident for tomorrow. We'll break down the key stuff, connect the dots, and get you ready to rock this exam! 😎 ## Feudal Society: The Foundation 🏰 ### What was Feudalism? * A social, economic, and political system in Europe during the Middle Ages (roughly 5th-15th centuries). * Based on land ownership in exchange for service or labor. * Think of it like a pyramid scheme, but with land instead of money. ### Key Players * **Monarch (King):** Owned all the land. 👑 * **Lords:** Received large land grants (**fiefs**) from the monarch in exchange for loyalty and military service. * **Vassals:** Received land from lords and owed them service, labor, and military support. * **Knights:** Hired by lords and the church for protection. * **Serfs:** Worked the land but didn't own it; tied to the land and the lord. Not slaves, but not free either. **Mnemonic:** **M**y **L**ord **V**ery **K**indly **S**erves (Monarch, Lords, Vassals, Knights, Serfs) ### The Three-Field System * A method of crop rotation to prevent soil overuse. * Farmers would rotate between planting wheat, beans, and leaving land fallow (unused). Feudalism was a decentralized system where power was distributed among different levels of the social hierarchy. Feudalism Diagram

*Image: A visual representation of the feudal hierarchy, showing the flow of power and obligations.* ```json { "mcq": [ { "question": "Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between lords and vassals in the feudal system?", "options": [ "a) Lords were subservient to vassals.", "b) Vassals provided service and loyalty to lords in exchange for land.", "c) Lords and vassals were equal in power and status.", "d) Vassals had no obligations to lords." ], "answer": "b" }, { "question": "The three-field system of crop rotation was primarily used in medieval Europe to:", "options": [ "a) Increase the amount of land available for farming.", "b) Prevent soil depletion and increase crop yields.", "c) Introduce new crops from other regions.", "d) Make farming easier for serfs." ], "answer": "b" } ], "frq": { "question": "Explain the social, economic, and political characteristics of feudalism in Europe between 1000 and 1450 CE.", "scoring_breakdown": { "thesis": "1 point for a historically defensible thesis that establishes a line of reasoning regarding the social, economic, and political characteristics of feudalism in Europe between 1000 and 1450 CE.", "contextualization": "1 point for describing a broader historical context relevant to feudalism in Europe between 1000 and 1450 CE (e.g., the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of decentralized power).", "evidence": "2 points for providing specific examples of social, economic, and political characteristics of feudalism. (1 point for 1-2 examples, 2 points for 3+ examples). Examples might include the hierarchical structure, manorialism, the role of knights, or the relationship between lords and vassals.", "analysis": "2 points for analyzing how the social, economic, and political characteristics of feudalism interacted and shaped European society (1 point for demonstrating understanding of one interaction, 2 points for demonstrating multiple interactions). For example, explaining how the economic system of manorialism reinforced the social hierarchy or how political decentralization led to the rise of powerful lords.", "complexity": "1 point for demonstrating a complex understanding of feudalism, such as by discussing the limitations of the system, its variations across Europe, or its eventual decline." } } } ``` ## Regionalism to Kingdoms: The Shift 🌍 ### From Local to Central * Between 1200 and 1450, regional kingdoms in France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire (HRE) became more solidified. * Monarchs started to centralize power, often at the expense of the Church and feudal lords. 💡 ### France * King Philip II created a larger bureaucracy and worked with the **Estates-General** (a legislative body). * This was a step toward a more centralized government. ### Holy Roman Empire (HRE) * A loose federation of territories in central Europe, not a unified nation-state. * The **Concordat of Worms** allowed the Pope to appoint bishops but gave the king veto power. This shows the struggle between church and state. ### England * Nobility checked the king's power. * **Magna Carta (1215):** King John was forced to sign this, giving more rights to the people in trials and taxation. This is a HUGE step towards limited government! 📜 * The English Parliament eventually formed into a strong legislative body. **Magna Carta** = Limited Monarchy! Remember that for the test. ### Conflicts and Nationalism * Competition for trade, land, and resources led to conflicts like the **Hundred Years' War** between England and France (1337-1453). * These conflicts fostered a sense of **nationalism** and helped weaken feudalism. Focus on the *causes and effects* of the Hundred Years' War. It's a great example of how conflicts can lead to major political and social changes. ```json { "mcq": [ { "question": "Which of the following was a significant consequence of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215?", "options": [ "a) It established the absolute power of the English monarchy.", "b) It granted more rights to the English nobility and limited the power of the king.", "c) It led to the immediate end of feudalism in England.", "d) It resulted in the unification of England and France." ], "answer": "b" }, { "question": "What was the primary significance of the Concordat of Worms?", "options": [ "a) It established the supremacy of the Holy Roman Emperor over the Pope.", "b) It resolved the conflict over the appointment of bishops between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor.", "c) It led to the complete separation of church and state in the Holy Roman Empire.", "d) It resulted in the unification of the Holy Roman Empire." ], "answer": "b" } ], "frq": { "question": "Compare and contrast the political developments in England and France between 1200 and 1450, analyzing how these developments contributed to the decline of feudalism.", "scoring_breakdown": { "thesis": "1 point for a historically defensible thesis that compares and contrasts the political developments in England and France between 1200 and 1450 and establishes a line of reasoning regarding their impact on the decline of feudalism.", "contextualization": "1 point for describing a broader historical context relevant to political developments in England and France between 1200 and 1450 (e.g., the nature of feudalism, the role of the church in medieval Europe).", "evidence": "2 points for providing specific examples of political developments in England and France. (1 point for 1-2 examples, 2 points for 3+ examples). Examples might include the Magna Carta, the Estates-General, or the Hundred Years' War.", "analysis": "2 points for analyzing how these political developments in England and France contributed to the decline of feudalism (1 point for demonstrating understanding of one interaction, 2 points for demonstrating multiple interactions). For example, explaining how the Magna Carta limited the power of the king and thus the feudal hierarchy, or how the Hundred Years' War fostered nationalism which undermined feudal loyalties.", "complexity": "1 point for demonstrating a complex understanding of the political developments in England and France, such as by discussing the limitations of these changes, or their long-term consequences." } } } ``` ## Religious Conflict: Faith and Power ⚔️ ### The Spread of Islam * Islam spread into the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). * **Battle of Tours (732):** Charles Martel stopped the Islamic advance into France. 💪 * **Reconquista (by 1492):** The Catholic Church expelled Muslims from Spain. ### The Crusades * Series of religious wars by the Catholic Church to take back the Holy Land from Muslims. * Crusaders also attacked **Orthodox Christians** in **Constantinople** (major oops!). * Ultimately, the Crusades failed to win back Jerusalem but weakened the Catholic Church and increased the power of monarchs. * Cross-cultural contact did expose Europe to Islamic science and math. 💡 Don't confuse the Reconquista with the Crusades. The Reconquista was specifically about expelling Muslims from Spain, while the Crusades were about taking the Holy Land. ```json { "mcq": [ { "question": "The Battle of Tours (732 CE) is significant because it:", "options": [ "a) Led to the complete expulsion of Muslims from Europe.", "b) Halted the advance of Islamic forces into Western Europe.", "c) Resulted in the unification of Christian Europe.", "d) Marked the beginning of the Crusades." ], "answer": "b" }, { "question": "Which of the following was a major consequence of the Crusades?", "options": [ "a) The permanent establishment of Christian rule in the Holy Land.", "b) The strengthening of the Catholic Church's authority in Europe.", "c) The weakening of the Catholic Church and the rise of monarchical power.", "d) The complete separation of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches." ], "answer": "c" } ], "frq": { "question": "Analyze the causes and consequences of the Crusades in the context of European political and religious developments between 1000 and 1450.", "scoring_breakdown": { "thesis": "1 point for a historically defensible thesis that analyzes the causes and consequences of the Crusades in the context of European political and religious developments between 1000 and 1450.", "contextualization": "1 point for describing a broader historical context relevant to the Crusades (e.g., the religious fervor of the time, the rise of the Catholic Church, the spread of Islam).", "evidence": "2 points for providing specific examples of the causes and consequences of the Crusades. (1 point for 1-2 examples, 2 points for 3+ examples). Examples might include the desire to reclaim the Holy Land, the weakening of the Byzantine Empire, the increased trade and cultural exchange, or the growth of monarchical power.", "analysis": "2 points for analyzing how the causes and consequences of the Crusades interacted and shaped European society (1 point for demonstrating understanding of one interaction, 2 points for demonstrating multiple interactions). For example, explaining how religious fervor led to the Crusades, which in turn weakened the Church and strengthened monarchs, or how the increased trade and cultural exchange influenced European intellectual life.", "complexity": "1 point for demonstrating a complex understanding of the Crusades, such as by discussing the motivations of different groups involved, the variations in the success of different crusades, or their long-term effects." } } } ``` ## The Renaissance: Rebirth and Innovation 🎨 ### Cultural and Intellectual Transformation * A period of increased literacy, urbanization, and global connection. * **Johannes Gutenberg's printing press** revolutionized the spread of information. Books became more accessible, leading to increased literacy. * The Crusades and Mediterranean trade opened Europe to global commerce and ideas. 🌍 ### Key Features of the Renaissance * Revival of classical learning (Greek and Roman). * Emphasis on individualism and humanism. * New ideas in art, science, literature, and philosophy. * Major figures include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and William Shakespeare. 🌟 The Renaissance is a super important topic for the exam. Make sure you know its key features and how it connects to other periods.

*Image: A self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, a key figure of the Renaissance.* ```json { "mcq": [ { "question": "The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg is significant because it:", "options": [ "a) Led to the decline of literacy in Europe.", "b) Made books more expensive and difficult to produce.", "c) Increased the speed and efficiency of book production and dissemination.", "d) Resulted in the suppression of new ideas and knowledge." ], "answer": "c" }, { "question": "Which of the following BEST describes the intellectual focus of the Renaissance?", "options": [ "a) A rejection of classical learning and a focus on religious dogma.", "b) A focus on the natural world and scientific inquiry.", "c) A revival of classical learning and an emphasis on humanism.", "d) A focus on maintaining the feudal system and resisting change." ], "answer": "c" } ], "frq": { "question": "Analyze the social, cultural, and technological changes that characterized the Renaissance period in Europe and explain how these changes contributed to the transition from the Middle Ages to the early modern period.", "scoring_breakdown": { "thesis": "1 point for a historically defensible thesis that analyzes the social, cultural, and technological changes that characterized the Renaissance period in Europe and establishes a line of reasoning regarding their contribution to the transition from the Middle Ages to the early modern period.", "contextualization": "1 point for describing a broader historical context relevant to the Renaissance (e.g., the decline of feudalism, the impact of the Crusades, the rediscovery of classical texts).", "evidence": "2 points for providing specific examples of social, cultural, and technological changes during the Renaissance. (1 point for 1-2 examples, 2 points for 3+ examples). Examples might include the printing press, the rise of humanism, the development of new artistic techniques, or the growth of cities and trade.", "analysis": "2 points for analyzing how these social, cultural, and technological changes contributed to the transition from the Middle Ages to the early modern period (1 point for demonstrating understanding of one interaction, 2 points for demonstrating multiple interactions). For example, explaining how the printing press spread new ideas that challenged traditional authority, or how humanism shifted the focus from religious dogma to individual potential, or how new technologies facilitated exploration and trade.", "complexity": "1 point for demonstrating a complex understanding of the Renaissance, such as by discussing the limitations of these changes, their impact on different social groups, or their long-term consequences." } } } ``` ## Final Exam Focus: Key Takeaways 🎯 ### Highest Priority Topics * **Feudalism:** Understand its structure, key players, and how it declined. * **The Rise of Kingdoms:** Focus on the political developments in England and France, especially the Magna Carta and the Hundred Years' War. * **Religious Conflict:** Know the causes and effects of the Crusades and the Reconquista. * **The Renaissance:** Be familiar with its key features and how it marked a transition from the Middle Ages. ### Common Question Types * **Multiple Choice:** Expect questions that test your knowledge of key terms, events, and their significance. * **Short Answer Questions (SAQs):** Be ready to explain specific historical developments and their impact. * **Free Response Questions (FRQs):** Practice writing essays that analyze and connect different historical themes and events. ✍️ ### Last-Minute Tips * **Time Management:** Don't spend too long on any one question. If you're stuck, move on and come back to it later. * **Read Carefully:** Make sure you understand what the question is asking before you start answering. * **Connect the Dots:** Try to link different concepts and themes together. This will show a deeper understanding of the material. * **Stay Calm:** You've got this! Take deep breaths and trust your preparation. 😌 Good luck tomorrow! You're going to do great! 🎉

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Developments in Europe from 1200-1450

Sophie Anderson

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