Medieval Europe: Feudalism, Renaissance & Reformation
Delhi Police Exam History Section
1) Feudalism (Medieval Europe System)
Time: Around 9th to 15th century CE
Features:
Society based on land ownership
King → Lords → Knights → Peasants
Land given in exchange for military service
Church was extremely powerful
Why it declined?
Growth of trade & towns
Crusades exposure
Black Death reduced population → labour became valuable
2) Renaissance (14th–17th Century)
Meaning: "Rebirth" of art, science, learning
Started in Italy
Key Points:
Renewal of interest in Greek & Roman knowledge
Humanism (importance of human potential)
Advancement in Art, Science, Literature
Major Personalities:
Leonardo da Vinci
Michelangelo
Shakespeare
Galileo
Impact:
Scientific thinking strengthened
Printing Press invented by Gutenberg → spread of knowledge
3) Reformation (16th Century)
Meaning: Religious reform movement in Europe
Cause:
Corruption + practices of Catholic Church
Sale of Indulgences
Leader:
Martin Luther (Germany) → 95 Theses
Impact:
Formation of Protestant Churches
Division of Christianity into Catholic & Protestant
Religious wars in Europe
Quick Recap
| Topic | Key Concept | Key Result |
|---|---|---|
| Feudalism | Land-based hierarchy | Power of Lords & Church |
| Renaissance | Revival of Classical learning | Scientific thinking & art growth |
| Reformation | Religious reform | Rise of Protestantism |
Sample Question
Explain how Renaissance and Reformation changed the social and intellectual life of Europe.
Renaissance: Revived classical learning, promoted humanism, scientific thinking, and artistic achievements. Reformation: Challenged Church authority, led to religious diversity, encouraged individual interpretation of scriptures, and sparked intellectual debates.
Previous Year Questions
Renaissance started in which country?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Italy
Who wrote the 95 Theses against the Catholic Church?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Martin Luther
What was the social structure of Medieval Europe based on?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Feudalism (Land ownership hierarchy)
You've completed Medieval Europe Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on understanding the chronological sequence - Feudalism (medieval social structure), Renaissance (intellectual rebirth), and Reformation (religious reform). Remember key figures like Martin Luther for Reformation and Leonardo da Vinci for Renaissance. The causes for the decline of feudalism and the impacts of Renaissance and Reformation are frequently tested. Connect these movements to understand how they transformed medieval Europe into modern Europe.
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