Post on 20-Dec-2015
Feudalism SOL WH1.9b
Influence of
Barbarians
Manors with castles provided protection
Trade was disrupted and towns declined
Strengthened the feudal system
Feudalism
Developed in response to the instability of life after the decline of the Roman Empire
Rich, powerful rulers granted land (fief) to lesser lords (vassals) in exchange for loyalty (fielty), soldiers, and food
Peasants and serfs farmed the land of nobles in exchange for protection during war
Relationships between classes
The Great Chain of Being
Social hierarchy existed to maintain order.
People's roles in life were determined by their birth and were not generally questioned.
Created a secure, productive way of life.
Is it better to be safe or free?
The Pope
God’s representative on Earth
Papal supremacy– held power over all secular rulers
Monarchs
Supreme ruler believed to have been chosen by God
Granted land and titles to people in exchange for loyalty and service
Clergy
Provided sacraments, education, and preserved learning
Often the only literate people in a village
Bishops
Abbots/Abbesses
Monks/Nuns
Priests
Nobility
Local rulers
Offered protection to serfs in exchange for labor on manors (self-sufficient farms)
Raised armies for the king
ExamplesDuke/Duchess
Earl/Countess
Knight/Lady
Merchants
New middle class
Artisans and craftsman
Blacksmiths
Carpenters
Masons
Traded goods across Europe
Peasants
Serfs—peasants bound to a manor
Life was nasty, brutish, and short
Labor force – had Sundays and holy days (holidays) off
Servants
Farmers
Dregs of Society
People no one wants around
Foreigners
Beggars
Lepers
Criminals
Vagrants
PicturesCastle Top: http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01895/images/castle.gif
Castle Bottom: http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/images/various2/conwy_6.jpg
Pope: http://aesthetictraditionalist.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/pope_benedict_xvi.jpg
Monarch: Personal photograph
Clergy: Personal photograph
Clergy: Personal photograph
Peasant: Personal photograph
Dregs of Society: Personal photograph