Reading Notes for Unit 4

Guide to Reading Notes 4

Section 4.2

1. Towns were often located next to rivers, which made trade easier.

2. Improved farming methods and the revival of trade contributed to the growth of towns.

3. In some places, towns struggled violently to become independent. In others, the town leaders purchased a charter which gave them the right to govern themselves.

Section 4.3

1. Guilds were organizations of people who practiced the same craft or trade. They were set up to make sure their members were treated fairly and pro- duced quality goods.

2. Guilds provided them with money and food in times of need.

3. Answers will vary. Sample answer: Dear Sophie,

Guess what? My parents have just signed an agree- ment with a stonemason. I am going to become his apprentice! For the next few years, I will live and work in his home. My parents have agreed to pay him a small bit of money, but I don’t know how much. I won’t get paid, but in seven years, the mas- ter will examine a sample of my work. If I meet his standards, I will get to become a stonemason, too. I really hope I can do this.

Sincerely, James

Section 4.4

1. Early in the Middle Ages, people traded in luxury goods, which only the wealthy could afford. Later, more local people were trading more and more kinds of goods, including everyday items such as food and clothing.

2. Merchants became wealthy and powerful by selling a variety of goods from faraway lands, dominating the town’s business life, and joining town councils.

3. Because of religious prejudice and hostility, Jews found it hard to earn a living by farming, and sometimes they were the victims of violence. Rulers took their property at will. One opportunity open to Jews was banking and money lending.

Section 4.5

1. Most homes in medieval towns were small, crowded, and built of wood. The homes of the wealthy were much larger.

2. Almost half of all children died. Those who survived began preparing for their adult roles at age seven.

3. Most girls were educated at home in cooking, cloth making, and others skills for running a home. They typically married young and began raising children soon after. Only girls from wealthy fami- lies had an opportunity to learn how to paint or read music.

Section 4.6

1. Towns were very dirty places with no running water. Garbage and wastes were tossed in the streets. People lived in small crowded spaces. Rats and fleas were common and carried diseases.

2. Some common diseases in medieval Europe were measles, cholera, scarlet fever, and bubonic plague.

3. Medieval doctors used prayer, magic, and herbal medicines. Bloodletting, including the use of leeches, was also popular.

Section 4.7

1. Two methods were trial by ordeal, in which the accused had to pass a dangerous test, and trial by combat, in which the accused had to fight to prove his or her innocence, or could have someone fight for him or her.

2. Fines and the stocks were used to punish those found guilty of minor crimes. Those convicted of more serious crimes could be hanged or burned at the stake.

3. Monarchs began setting up a system of royal courts. This contributed to a growing body of com- mon law. Both the independent judiciary and the new laws became a safeguard of individual rights and replaced trial by ordeal and combat.

Section 4.8

1. Children played with dolls and toys, such as wood- en swords and hobbyhorses. They also rolled hoops and played badminton, lawn bowling, and blind man’s bluff.

2. Adults liked games such as chess, checkers, and backgammon. Card games and dancing were also popular.

3. Mystery plays re-created stories from the Bible. Miracle plays dramatized the lives of saints.