Act. 3.2 Development of Feudalism in Western Europe --Charlemagne, King of the Franks, is crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day, A.D. 800. --His goals were to unite all of Western Europe and convert all the Germanic people to Christianity…and did this primarily through war. --After his death, the kingdom was divided into three parts…which weakened the empire’s unity and led to its collapse.

--Vikings from Scandinavia worshiped many gods and did not value education. --They were experienced sailors and raided coastal villages throughout Europe. --Their power of intimidation kept many Europeans in a state of terror. Europeans looked to local lords to protect them…which contributed to the development of feudalism.

The Bayeux Tapestry is a historical record of the conquest of England by William the Conqueror of Normandy --Edward, King of England, died without children to succeed him. He promised the throne to his cousin, Duke William of Normandy. After his death, there was fighting…between William and two other men who tried to claim the throne. --William won…and the Norman culture came to England and changed Saxon traditions and led to the establishment of the feudal system in England.

Life on a feudal manor

The keep was designed to protect the lord and his family during attack. Motte and Bailey Castle 13/14th century castle

Monarchs Lords & Nobles Knights or Vassals Peasants Became weaker after Charlemagne Remained highest authority Lords & Nobles Lived on manors in castles Included powerful clergy (church leaders) Hunted, defended manor, oversaw serfs, & settled legal disputes Knights or Vassals Trained warriors who followed the code of chivalry Exchanged military service for fief (piece of land) Peasants Freemen paid lord for use of land and could move around Serfs worked land for the lord Serfs were poor and were prisoners of the manor

King John and the Magna Carta --The King raised taxes, ordered the building of his palaces, demanded money for war with France, and had a quarrel with the Pope. The people were not happy and demanded that he sign the “Great Charter”. --It limited his power by mandating the following: no imprisonment without a jury trial, consultation with lords before taxing, and no interference with the Church’s authority