Life in the Middle Ages

I. Feudalism A. Political system of local government based on the granting of land in return for loyalty, military assistance, and other services B. Lords granted land (a fief) to vassals

C. Vassals could have whole towns of peasants (serfs) working for little or no money

Different Views on the Structure of Feudalism Point out the Pyramidal structure in the upper left diagram. Very top down. Have the students notice the dress of each of the figures as they get near the base representing wealth. In the diagram on the right notice what was provided and what was received by each group in the feudal structure.

D. By 900 A.D. most of Europe is under control of local, small governments, often local lords The outlines here are representing large modern nations of Spain, France, Germany, and Italy. Point out the small region names within each of those countries showing the local small governments that existed during the middle ages.

II. The Church A. The Catholic Church has broad political powers in the middle ages because of weak local governments B. Priests responsible for moral and religious learning C. Bible is written in, and church services are held in Latin D. Many church officials are the only learned people in a community

Cardinals – Advisors to Pope Archbishop – Authority over Bishops & Doiceses in the province Bishop – Managed a Diocese, appointed priests, managed church property Priest – Head of a local parish, conducted church services, supervised moral and religious instruction

E. Problems of the Church 1. Too much focus put on wealth 2. Non-religious individuals gaining positions in the church 3. Only ones with access to learning and books 4. Only ones with access to God 5. Vicious punishments for those that went against church teachings Payments for everything from getting married, to buying church offices, to even paying to have your sins forgiven Buying church offices (Simony) Everything written in Latin and no printing press yet Confession for example Spanish Inquisition

A. Local rulers and kingdoms are almost all-powerful to their subjects III. Government A. Local rulers and kingdoms are almost all-powerful to their subjects B. Rich people = small # = the most land = MORE POWER! Poor people = large # = no land = NO POWER/RIGHTS! C. The Church wields as much, if not, more power than any king or monarch

A. Europe is overpopulated at the time, for the resources available IV. The People A. Europe is overpopulated at the time, for the resources available Notice massive increase in population between 1000 A.D. and 1300 A.D. The population almost doubles from 40 million to 80 million without any new crops, trade, or resources being introduced.

B. VERY uneducated – Most people are illiterate (3 - 5% can read) and superstitious (belief in witchcraft, spirits, etc…) C. Fear of hell and religious thought dominates people’s minds

A. Local governments (nobility) are small but powerful V. Conclusion A. Local governments (nobility) are small but powerful B. Catholic Church is VERY powerful throughout Europe C. People are powerless and lack money and resources D. People are uneducated and looking for others to tell them what to believe