Question

Part 1
Review the six sources on the previous screens. For each source, complete the steps to analyze the information presented in the source.
Respond to each question that follows the background information about the source.
Think about which sources you might use to support your essay in response to the following prompt—
Your body paragraphs will support the thesis that you have developed.
Part 2
Select three of the six primary and secondary source documents to support your response to the prompt.
Using details from the documents for support, write a three to five paragraph essay

Answer 1

Document A: Dictionary Entry for “The Dark Ages”

In its original use, the term “Dark Ages” referred to the Early Middle Ages in Europe. It meant that little evidence about the time was available. Historians did not know much about this time and so the period was “in the dark.” Yet over time, people began using it as a term to describe the overall Middle Ages. Also, the term gained a negative connotation. Instead of focusing on the lack of information, historians assumed people and life at that time were “dark.” They thought they lived without learning or innovation. They used the term to describe the time as one of ignorance and miserable living. As historians have uncovered more documents from that time, however, it is not nearly as “dark” now. Modern historians do not often use the term anymore because more is known about the early Middle Ages and because of the negative meaning it gained. Some do use it today, though, as it was originally intended.

Answer 2

Document B: Magna Carta, Excerpt of Primary Source

During the 1100s, King John of England began to abuse his power against nobles. At the time, the king had almost unlimited power, and John took advantage of this by demanding large amounts of money without consulting nobles and deciding court cases according to his personal whims. Soon the nobles began to resent John’s actions. After John lost a battle against France, the king had to make sure he had the support of his nobles. As a result, he agreed to sign a royal charter created by the nobles to protect their rights. This charter was called the Magna Carta.

Answer 3

Document C: Joan of Arc, Painting

Joan of Arc (1412-1431), a national heroine of France, claimed to hear voices from God that called her to help the French drive the English out of France. Indeed, she led a French army in a victory over the English at Orleans. Later, a French court with English sympathies sentenced her to death. By her acts of bravery and by helping to unite the French, Joan contributed to the formation of a French national identity. Indeed, most French people view her as a symbol of national consciousness.

This miniature painting was created around 1450, during the late Middle Ages. European painting at that time started to show some of the naturalistic influence of the ancient Greek and Roman artists. However, these works retain some of the flatness that characterized medieval art.

Answer 4

Document D: Kokin Wakashū anthology

“Tanka” or “Waka” is a type of Japanese poetry. It developed during the Middle Ages. The Kokin Wakashū is a collection of about 1,000 of these poems. Emperor Daigo, who reigned from 897-930 CE, ordered poets to compile the book. Therefore, it was an official collection. Inclusion in it was a great honor. The book included not only the poems but also information about the poets and their inspirations when available. The compilers divided the poems into sections by topic such as the seasons, traveling, and love.

Answer 5

Document E: Major Trade Routes of Afroeurasia c.1300 CE, Map

This map shows overland and sea trade routes during the late Middle Ages in Europe.

Answer 6

Document F: Excerpt for Secondary Source

This excerpt describes Japanese trade with China during the feudal period. Trade between these countries varied, depending on the political relations at the time. For example, during the Mongol raids of Japan, trade between Japan and China lapsed. However, peaceful relations between these countries caused trade to flourish.