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5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns. Feature 1 Feature 2 (b) Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives. Y... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) Describe two features of life in medieval towns - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of life in medieval towns.
Answer
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Occupations: In medieval towns, people were employed in various occupations such as builders, blacksmiths, and innkeepers. This diversification of jobs contributed to a bustling economy, allowing towns to develop and thrive.
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Sanitation and Safety: Towns were often crowded and sanitation was poor, leading to health issues as diseases spread easily. However, towns were seen as relatively safe due to strong walls, providing a sense of security for the residents.
Step 2
Explain why the Interdict had such an impact on ordinary people's lives.
Answer
The Interdict, which suspended religious services and sacraments, had a profound impact on ordinary people's lives for several reasons:
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Burials: Without the ability to hold funerals or properly bury the dead, families faced the emotional trauma of losing loved ones without the rites of passage that brought comfort and closure. This led to a significant sense of despair and fear within communities, as the deceased were often believed to face eternal damnation without proper burial rites.
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Holy Days: The cancellation of church services meant that holy days, which were central to the community's social and spiritual life, were disrupted. These days provided a sense of community, tradition, and connection to faith; their absence caused discontent and a gradual decline in the morale of the population.
Furthermore, since the church played a vital role in the daily lives of people, the Interdict led to widespread unrest and uncertainty, illustrating the depth of influence that religious practices had on everyday life.