History Chapter 5 Study Guide

Key Historical Events and Concepts

• The Hundred Years' War: A prolonged series of conflicts fought between France and England from 1337 to 1453, primarily over territorial disputes and claims to the French throne.
• Bubonic Plague: A devastating contagious disease caused by bacteria infected fleas, resulting in millions of deaths in Europe during the 14th century.
• Magna Carta: A pivotal document signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the English monarchy and laid the groundwork for constitutional governance by ensuring certain legal rights.
• Habeas Corpus: A legal principle that protects individuals from unlawful detention by ensuring that one cannot be imprisoned without being formally charged with a crime.

Political Structures and Legal Developments

• Model Parliament: Established in the late 13th century, it included commoners, church officials, and nobles, marking the evolution of English governance towards a more representative system.
• Heretics: Individuals whose beliefs diverge from established religious doctrines, often facing persecution or punishment within the context of medieval Europe.

Social Impacts of Historical Events

• Decline of Feudalism: Political changes in England, especially the transfer of power from nobles to the monarchy and common people, weakened the feudal system, altering traditional hierarchies.
• Empowerment of Common People: The Bubonic Plague led to a labor shortage, increasing the leverage common workers had in negotiating wages and conditions, ultimately raising their social status.

Key Judicial Reforms

• Henry II's Judicial Reforms: Introduced a system where trials were conducted before royal judges rather than local feudal lords, establishing a more uniform and fair judicial process.
• Model Parliament's Role: By convening the Model Parliament, the English king allowed ordinary citizens to participate in governance, representing a significant shift toward inclusivity in political decision-making.