On a fresh side of notebook paper write today’s date and the lesson title (Feudal Monarchy in Medieval Europe)

Learning Log

• Write down the definition of the word “Medieval” (it means “Middle Ages”)

• A “feudal” society is one that practices Feudalism. What do you think Feudalism is? (write down whatever you think – or make something up – we’ll see if you are right later)

Background – The Roman Empire

• From 180 BCE to about 500 CE Western Europe was governed by the Roman Empire. At the peak of Rome’s power its rule was know as Pax Romana (the Roman peace).

Question:– What benefits do you think Roman rule gave the

average person living in Western Europe?

• Look over “A Vast and Powerful Empire”, p. 162-163 to help you answer the question.

Background – The Fall of Rome

• Read about the decline of the Roman Empire and the invasion of Western Europe by Germanic Tribes – P. 353 -354 (stopping at “Clovis Rules the Franks”)

• Answer the following questions in your notes:– What were the effects of the Germanic invasions?

• Socially/Culturally• Economically• Politically

– If you were an average person living in Western Europe at the time, how do you think you would have been affected personally?

Background - Charlemagne

• Read about Charlemagne’s empire in Western Europe, pp. 356-357.

• Answer the following questions in your notebook:– How did Charlemagne unite the people of Western

Europe?– How did he hold together his empire?– What do you think might have been the advantages of

Charlemagne’s empire to you, the average person living in Western Europe at the time?

Background – More Invasions

• Read about invaders attacking Western Europe from 800-1000 CE.

• Journal Write:– Imagine that you are an average person living

at the time of the invasions. Write about 100 words describing the anxieties, fears and problems you face in your daily life. (You might imagine fierce Vikings or plundering Muslims to get in the right mood)

• When done, share what you’ve written with a neighbor

The Solution: Feudal Societies

• Read about Feudalism, p. 360, 362, 363, and “The Warrior’s Role in Feudal Society” on p. 364-365.

• Either with a partner or individually, do the following in your notebook:– Describe feudal society and government and explain

how it worked.– Describe the benefits and burdens that each group

received from the feudal system.– Answer question: Do you think feudal societies

favored individual rights and freedoms or community security? Explain your answer.

The Role of the Church in in Feudal Societies

Read p. 370-371 stopping at “The Church and the Holy Roman Empire”

Either with a partner or individually, do the following in your notebook:

1. Describe the role of the church in feudal societies.

2. What were the benefits of that role and who received the benefits?

3. What were the costs or burdens of that role and who bore them?

4. How did the role of the church contribute to the community orientation of feudal societies?

Group Discussion

• Discuss, develop and write down answers to the following questions based upon what you have read about the feudal system of medieval Europe:– What are the benefits and strengths of a

feudal monarchy?– What are the drawbacks and weaknesses of a

feudal monarchy?– What could be done to lessen the drawbacks

and weaknesses?

Group Discussion

• Think back and review everything we read and discussed about Medieval Europe and feudal monarchy. Then consider the following questions:

– Who would a feudal monarchy be good for?• What type of people?• In what type of society?• In what circumstances?

– In other words what type of people, in what type of society, and in what circumstances would be best suited to a government like the feudal monarchy of medieval Europe? Why?

– Who would theocracy not be good for?• What type of people?• In what type of society?• In what circumstances?

– In other words what type of people, in what type of society, and in what circumstances would be least suited to a government like the feudal monarchy of medieval Europe? Why?