Essay Assignment
Prompts
1. How was the Hundred Years' War both similar and different from earlier conflicts in the Western world? Consider both the political factors that led to the conflict, as well as the social and economic factors which may have led to changes in both warfare and social organization. Be specific with names, places and events as you develop your answer, so that you can support your claims with evidence.
2. How did the Medieval Christian Church control, or fail to control the political and military behavior of Kings? Discuss AT LEAST three examples in support of your thesis and try to consider how the role of the church may have changed over time.
3. Some historians say that the people of early Medieval society were divided into three groups - those who worked, those who fought, and those who prayed. Did the development of Trade Guilds and the growth of Medieval towns change this basic division, and if so, how was later Medieval society different? Be sure to use examples in supporting your thesis.