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5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Question 5
5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns. Feature 1 (b) Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives. You may use the foll... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe two features of life in medieval towns.
Answer
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Employment Opportunities: In medieval towns, a variety of occupations were available, including builders, blacksmiths, shopkeepers, and innkeepers. This diversity in employment allowed townsfolk to engage in trade and commerce, contributing to the economic development of the town.
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Living Conditions: Towns during this period were often crowded and lacked sanitary conditions. Poor waste management led to the spread of disease, as sewage was commonly found in the streets. However, towns were also fortified with strong walls, providing a sense of safety and security for their inhabitants.
Step 2
Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives.
Answer
The Interdict, which suspended many Church services and sacraments, had profound effects on ordinary people's lives in several ways:
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Burials: Without the Church's blessings, regular burials could not occur. This created distress among families, as the deceased could not be properly laid to rest according to their beliefs, leaving many feeling abandoned and spiritually lost.
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Holy Days: The Interdict meant the cancellation of public religious observances on holy days, which were crucial to medieval people's social and cultural lives. These gatherings provided a sense of community and belonging, and their absence led to feelings of isolation.
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Loss of Sacraments: The inability to receive sacraments such as marriage and communion left people feeling disconnected from their faith, which was a significant aspect of their identity. The lack of spiritual guidance during crucial life events contributed to a sense of instability and fear.
In summary, the Interdict adversely influenced ordinary lives by stripping away essential religious practices that provided comfort, community bonds, and a structured way of life.