Western Europe The Middle Ages

Overview Unique government decentralized Used the Feudal System Rise of the Catholic Church

Decentralization Small Kingdoms after fall of Rome Few attempts to centralize Franks, Charlemagne System led to Feudalism

Feudalism Local King had land Land given to vassals Promise loyalty, military service Personal armies protected them (knights) Peasants looked shelter worked land Paid taxes, gave gifts, provided manual labor Region of self-sufficient estates manors

Chivalry Code of conduct Developed Courting and Tournaments Taught Honor, Modesty, Loyalty, Duty Developed Courting and Tournaments Never effective more idealistic, not reality

Late Middle Ages Rise of Major Cities Rise in Trade Hanseatic League Alliances between cities, organizations Hanseatic League Trade organization among cities in Northern Europe

Culture Social Status given at birth Marriage political alliances Arranged Catholic Church only central power Powerful popes Monasteries preserved literature Nunneries alternate lifestyle for women