Bentley Ch. 16 Christian Society In Western Europe
Multiple-choice test based on Bentley Traditions and Encounters
- 1.
Charlemagne hoped to build a western European empire which might rival his contemporaries
- A.
The Abbasids and Byzantines
- B.
The Byzantines and the Umayyads
- C.
The Qin and the Guptas
- D.
The Olmecs and the Incas
Correct Answer
A. The Abbasids and ByzantinesExplanation
Charlemagne hoped to build a western European empire that could compete with his contemporaries, the Abbasids and Byzantines. This indicates that Charlemagne aimed to establish a powerful and influential empire in the region, challenging the dominance of these two major empires. By rivaling the Abbasids and Byzantines, Charlemagne sought to assert his authority and expand his influence in Western Europe.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following pairings is INCORRECT?
- A.
Visigoths: Spain
- B.
Saxons: Denmark
- C.
Lombards: Italy
- D.
Franks: Northwestern Europe
Correct Answer
B. Saxons: DenmarkExplanation
The pairing of Saxons with Denmark is incorrect because the Saxons were actually a Germanic tribe that inhabited parts of present-day Germany and the Netherlands, not Denmark. Denmark was primarily inhabited by the Danes, who were also a Germanic tribe but distinct from the Saxons.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which is the MOST important reason for the rise of the Frnaks as the dominant Germanic group in Europe circa the fifth through ninth centuries?
- A.
Their strong military was undefeatable even by the Moors in Spain
- B.
Clovis' conversion and allegiance to Roman Catholicism led to support from the Pope and the Roman Catholic church
- C.
Clovis' wise and just rule throughout his realm made him a model for other kings to emulate
- D.
Charlemagne's intellectual and cultural standards were recognized even by his enemies
Correct Answer
B. Clovis' conversion and allegiance to Roman Catholicism led to support from the Pope and the Roman Catholic churchExplanation
Clovis' conversion and allegiance to Roman Catholicism led to support from the Pope and the Roman Catholic church. This support was crucial for the rise of the Franks as the dominant Germanic group in Europe during the fifth through ninth centuries. The alliance with the Pope and the Roman Catholic church provided the Franks with religious legitimacy and political backing. It allowed them to gain the support and loyalty of other Christian kingdoms and expand their influence. Additionally, the conversion to Roman Catholicism helped to unify the Franks internally and establish a common identity among their subjects.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding a serf's life on a manor?
- A.
They could NOT be bought and sold like slaves
- B.
They owned only a small piece of land on the manor
- C.
They could appeal their legal cases to the King, if necessary
- D.
Their spouses were chosen by the lord
Correct Answer
A. They could NOT be bought and sold like slavesExplanation
The statement "They could NOT be bought and sold like slaves" is true regarding a serf's life on a manor. Unlike slaves, serfs were not considered property and could not be bought or sold by their lords. Serfs were bound to the land and had certain obligations to their lord, but they were not treated as commodities to be bought or sold.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why was the moldboard plow an essential element in the production of an agricultural surplus in western Europe in eighth century C.E.?
- A.
It made it possible to aerate the soil and break up the weeds and thereby farm lands that had been previously unsuitable for agriculture
- B.
When used with heavy draft animals, it had enough energy to pull through moist northern soils
- C.
Its successful use stimulated other agricultural innovations
- D.
All of these statements are correct
Correct Answer
D. All of these statements are correctExplanation
The moldboard plow was an essential element in the production of an agricultural surplus in western Europe in the eighth century C.E. because it had multiple benefits. Firstly, it made it possible to aerate the soil and break up weeds, allowing farmers to cultivate lands that were previously unsuitable for agriculture. Additionally, when used with heavy draft animals, it had enough energy to pull through moist northern soils, which were common in western Europe. Lastly, the successful use of the moldboard plow stimulated other agricultural innovations, leading to increased productivity and surplus.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What effect did the technology of watermills have on western European life?
- A.
It began a process of water pollution which eventually destroyed fresh water sources for the manors
- B.
It forced many serfs off the manors as there was no longer a need for their labor
- C.
It freed human and animal labor for other work
- D.
It made animal-powered technology obsolute
Correct Answer
C. It freed human and animal labor for other workExplanation
The technology of watermills freed human and animal labor for other work. Watermills were able to harness the power of flowing water to grind grain and perform other tasks that were previously done manually or by animals. This allowed people and animals to be utilized for other types of work, such as agriculture or manufacturing. This advancement in technology increased productivity and efficiency in western European life.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Towns in the Roman empire had served as commercial centers integrating the economic activities of distant regions, while towns in western Europe c.500-1000 C.E. served as
- A.
Economic gathering places for the sale or exchange of locally produced goods
- B.
Centers of intellectual and cultural exchanges of new ideas and concepts
- C.
Social and religious refuges for wandering hermits and prophets
- D.
Economic centers for the collection of tribute and taxes owed to the Holy Roman Emperor
Correct Answer
A. Economic gathering places for the sale or exchange of locally produced goodsExplanation
During the time period of 500-1000 C.E. in western Europe, towns served as economic gathering places for the sale or exchange of locally produced goods. This means that these towns were hubs of economic activity, where people would come together to buy, sell, and trade goods that were produced locally. Unlike in the Roman empire, where towns played a role in integrating economic activities from distant regions, the towns in western Europe during this period focused primarily on facilitating local economic transactions.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The fact that the population of western Europe took eight centuries to recover from the demise of the western Roman empire reflects that
- A.
People were reluctant to have children in such an uncertain world
- B.
The Viking practice of kidnapping for ransom was widespread
- C.
Disease and uncertainty limited agricultural surplus for 800 years
- D.
The church closely monitored population numbers and growth
Correct Answer
C. Disease and uncertainty limited agricultural surplus for 800 yearsExplanation
The correct answer is that disease and uncertainty limited agricultural surplus for 800 years. This is supported by the fact that the population of western Europe took eight centuries to recover from the demise of the western Roman empire. Disease and uncertainty would have had a significant impact on agriculture, leading to a limited surplus and therefore a slower population recovery.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following individuals is credited with establishing a standard for monastic life?
- A.
St. Augustine of Hippo
- B.
St. Benedict of Nursia
- C.
Charlemagne
- D.
Clovis
Correct Answer
B. St. Benedict of NursiaExplanation
St. Benedict of Nursia is credited with establishing a standard for monastic life. He is known for writing the Rule of Saint Benedict, which became the foundation for Western monasticism. This rule emphasized a balanced and disciplined approach to monastic life, with a focus on prayer, work, and community living. St. Benedict's influence on monasticism was significant, as his rule was widely adopted by monasteries throughout Europe and continues to be followed by Benedictine communities today.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What effect did monasteries have on the expansion of agricultural production in early modern Europe?
- A.
They slowed expansion of agricultural production because they insisted on living a life of extreme poverty and asceticism
- B.
They slowed expansion of agricultural production because they focused only on prayer and service to God
- C.
They contributed to the expansion of agricultural production because they organized much of the labor needed to clear forests, drain swamps, and prepare lands for cultivation
- D.
They contributed to the expansion of agricultural production by building commercial farms and employing freed serfs as agricultural laborers
Correct Answer
C. They contributed to the expansion of agricultural production because they organized much of the labor needed to clear forests, drain swamps, and prepare lands for cultivationExplanation
Monasteries contributed to the expansion of agricultural production in early modern Europe by organizing the labor required for land development. They played a crucial role in clearing forests, draining swamps, and preparing lands for cultivation. This helped to increase the availability of arable land and fostered agricultural growth.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What characteristic did medieval European monasteries share with Buddhist monasteries in Asia and Muslim charitable religious foundations?
- A.
All three required poverty, chastity, and obedience of their believers
- B.
All three worked with local, decentralized governments for support
- C.
All three provided a variety of social services to people in surrounding communities
- D.
All three were constantly invaded, looted, and pillaged for their wealth
Correct Answer
C. All three provided a variety of social services to people in surrounding communitiesExplanation
All three, medieval European monasteries, Buddhist monasteries in Asia, and Muslim charitable religious foundations, shared the characteristic of providing a variety of social services to the people in their surrounding communities. They were not only places of religious worship but also served as centers for education, healthcare, and assistance to the needy. These institutions played a crucial role in supporting and uplifting the communities they were a part of, regardless of their religious differences.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Which of the folowing statements is TRUE about the agricultural surplus in western Europe during medieval times?
- A.
After the introduction of the moldboard plow, the agricultural surplus grew rapidly enough to support a few large cities like Paris and London
- B.
The agricultural surplus produced in the easier-to-farm regions around the Mediterranean made city growth in France and Italy possible
- C.
The manors required all the food grown there to feed the increasing number of serfs displaced by the watermill technology
- D.
The agricultural surplus was sufficient to sustain lords and their retainers, but not large city populations of artisans, merchants, and professionals
Correct Answer
D. The agricultural surplus was sufficient to sustain lords and their retainers, but not large city populations of artisans, merchants, and professionals -
- 13.
Politically, Medieval Europe c. 1000 C.E. is MOST like which of the following?
- A.
India, during the postclassical era
- B.
China, under the Tang dynasty
- C.
The Abbasids in Baghdad
- D.
The Byzantines in eastern Europe
Correct Answer
A. India, during the postclassical eraExplanation
Medieval Europe in 1000 C.E. and India during the postclassical era share several similarities politically. Both regions were characterized by a feudal system, where power was decentralized and local lords held significant authority. Additionally, both regions experienced the rise of regional kingdoms and empires, such as the Holy Roman Empire in Europe and the Chola Dynasty in India. Furthermore, both regions faced external invasions and conflicts, which influenced their political landscape. Therefore, India during the postclassical era is the most similar politically to Medieval Europe in 1000 C.E.Rate this question:
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 07, 2012Quiz Created by
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