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