Feudalism THE MEDIEVAL SOCIAL PYRAMID

Kings and Queens Early, did not have much power Lost power as people were afraid of invaders (Vikings) The people turned to the Nobles (Lords, Knights, and Vassals) for protection

Lords Had all the power Knights and Vassals are loyal to them Owned all of the land Governed and protected people for a portion of the goods produced Often fought against each other for land

Vassals and Knights Vassals Lower ranking nobles Swore an oath to the Lord Protected the Lords Manor during times of battle Knights Lower level Vassals In exchange for protecting the Lord’s land, they were given parts of the manor complete with serfs and peasants Essentially a private army for the Lord

Serfs and Peasants Simple lives: Farmed and raised animals Did not own any land and never would Parents are poor, children are poor, grandchildren are poor… Never ending cycle of poverty Never would be wealthy, because they never owned land Had to work the noble’s lands and a portion of all crops went to the noble

Feudalism POSITIVES Gave stability Allowed for protection from invaders Created a social order One unifying force across Europe is the Catholic Church (Christianity) Everyone from Kings to Serfs NEGATIVES No opportunity for a better life for serfs or peasants Rich stayed rich, poor stayed poor Lords could basically do what they wanted Everyone broken up and doing their own thing