Answer:
1. the role of the Christian church in medieval society
The Christian church was very powerful in medieval society. It had supreme religous authority, but it also had political authority, holding lands, and making alliances with political authorities. They also had cultural power: most universities were affiliated with the church, and the vast majority of culture and studies were produced by monks.
2. the role religion played in establishing social and political order
In medieval society, religious authorities were one of the three classes, the other being the nobles, and the commoners. Religion legitimized this order by giving support to the nobles, and keeping the commoners on track.
3. important Islamic and Christian figures associated with the Crusades
Important Islamic figures are Saladin and Nur ad-Din. Important Christian figures are Pope Urban, Richard Lionheart, and Holy Roman Emperor Barbarossa.
4. the course and consequences of the Crusades
In the first crusades, the Christian were successful and obtained control of the Holy Land. However, the last crusades marked a definitive Islamic victories.
The crusades led to closer contact between Europe and the MIddle East. Trade flourished, enriching some states, the Republic of Venice for example.
5. key figures in art, architecture, and literature during the Middle Ages
Important figures in art are Giotto, Jean Fouquet and Duccio.
Important architects are Odo of Metz, and Omar Tiberiades.
Important figures in literature are Boccaccio, Petrarch, Dante, and Chaucer.
6. how Japan's location as an island nation impacted its development
Japan developed an unique culture, even if with many Chinese influences. Its island location meant that it was harder to invade. In fact, it was never invaded, not even by the Mongols, who tried twice.
7. major cultural, economic, political, and religious developments in medieval Japan
During medieval Japan, the nation became a feudal state where the Emperor hold very little power, and the real power was at the hands of the regional lords, known in Japan as de damyos. Buddhism continued to flourish as well as shintoism, developing Japan's two-religions system.
Japan's culture also flourished and became more indigenous, with less Chinese influences. The kana script was invented from Kanji, and architecture and literature celebrated local reality.
