European History: State Authority & Social Structures
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Questions and Answers

What led to the borrowing of money by monarchs?

  • Expansion of territories
  • Public debt from wars (correct)
  • Development of trade routes
  • Increase in agricultural productivity

What was a significant change in the nature of warfare during the Late Middle Ages?

  • Use of bows as the primary weapon
  • Emphasis on cavalry units
  • Shift from king vs noble to king vs king (correct)
  • Increased reliance on sieges

What characterized the composition of armies in the Late Middle Ages?

  • Recruitment was primarily through voluntary enlistment
  • Nobles led the majority of forces
  • Mercenaries replaced feudal armies (correct)
  • Uniforms were mandatory for all soldiers

What was one of the primary roles of towns in relation to monarchs?

<p>Advising and aiding the kings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did public debt affect the nobility's relationship with kings?

<p>Nobles became more dependent on kings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major factor contributing to the high casualty rates among soldiers?

<p>Epidemics and diseases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of society played a role in the governance of composite states such as Poland and Lithuania?

<p>Clergy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the new technologies and ideas during the Late Middle Ages?

<p>Increase in innovation and exploration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Public Debt in the Late Middle Ages

The practice of monarchs borrowing money from bankers to finance wars, luxury spending, and other expenses.

Hereditary Thrones

A system where the right to a throne is passed down through a family lineage, preventing nobles from maintaining independent armies and making them more reliant on the king.

Privileges of Towns

The exclusive rights and privileges granted to towns, often including the right to self-governance, taxation, and exemption from royal interference.

Cortes

Groups of representatives from different regions of a kingdom who advised the king and had the power to grant or deny taxes. They were often used by kings to raise money for wars.

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Gunpowder and Warfare

A major shift in warfare caused by the introduction of gunpowder, transforming battles from king vs. noble to king vs. king. This led to large, standing armies with specialized weapons and tactics.

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Mercenaries and Standing Armies

The use of armies composed of paid mercenaries rather than feudal levies, comprised of individuals from different nations fighting for pay and often pillaging for additional income.

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Composite States

States composed of diverse ethnic groups and regions, often held together by loose alliances or personal unions. Example: Poland and Lithuania.

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Medieval Social Order

The traditional three-tiered social structure of medieval society: Clergy, Nobles, and Peasants, to which a new class, the Burghers (citizens of towns), emerged with growing economic and political power.

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Study Notes

Limits to State Authority

  • Monarchs' authority was limited by traditional rights of towns and nobles.
  • Frequent need for money (wars, luxury) led to borrowing from bankers.
  • This dependence increased the power of bankers in relation to monarchs.
  • Gradually, monarchs became more powerful, aiming to control nobles’ private armies and to reduce their leverage.

Medieval Continuities

  • European society continued to be structured around three main groups: clergy, nobles, and peasants.
  • Despite changes, core social structures in Europe remained somewhat consistent.

Transforming Discoveries

  • Warfare, technology, exploration, and the printing press significantly impacted European society during the late Middle Ages.
  • Warfare shifted from dynastic conflicts to larger, more organized battles due to new technologies like gunpowder.
  • The printing press facilitated the spread of ideas and knowledge, leading to cultural and intellectual changes.

Medieval Legacies and Warfare

  • Gunpowder, developed earlier, revolutionized warfare in Europe.
  • Use of gunpowder led to larger, more formalized armies with professional soldiers.
  • Larger ships integrated cannons; fortifications enhanced, leading to more complex military structures.
  • Mercenaries filled armies as feudal armies decreased.
  • Soldiers faced severe conditions, high mortality due to disease, and harsh discipline.

The Printing Press and the Power of the Printed Word

  • The printing press reduced the cost and time to produce documents, widely disseminating information.
  • Before the press, books were rare and expensive.
  • This spread of information dramatically changed European culture and society.
  • Printing allowed for the mass production of books and literacy rates increased.

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Description

Explore the complexities of state authority in medieval Europe, where monarchs sought to consolidate power while grappling with the influence of nobles and bankers. This quiz covers the persistent social structures and transformative discoveries during the late Middle Ages, including technological advancements and the impact of the printing press.

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