HISET Social Studies Practice

The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval period, is defined as the time frame that spans from the collapse of the Western Roman Empire around the 5th century until the onset of the Renaissance in the 14th century. This roughly encompasses a millennium of European history that is often characterized by feudalism, the rise of the Catholic Church's influence, and the development of early kingdoms and territories.

This period is significant for its cultural, social, and political transformations, including the establishment of universities, the development of Gothic architecture, and the frequent conflicts such as the Crusades. It can also be seen as a time when classical knowledge was preserved and built upon, leading to the eventual resurgence of arts and learning that marks the Renaissance.

The other periods mentioned in the choices, such as the time between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, the Enlightenment through the Industrial Revolution, and the era of modern nation-states, describe distinct historical phases that either precede or follow the Middle Ages and focus on different developments and movements that shaped subsequent European history.