Feudalism

What is feudalism? It is a system of rule where local lords divide up their land to lesser lords for service and loyalty.

How did feudalism come about? Feudalism began with people joining together in response to common problems. These problems included danger from foreign invaders, the lack of a common currency or trade, and food shortages.

The Invaders: Muslims, Magyars, and Vikings.

The Trade: Vassals were given large plots of land, called fiefs, in exchange for: 40 days of military service per year Money, mostly by crops. Advice.

The Serfs The serfs were the lowest segment of society. They were bound to the land and often had to pay the lord more than half of their crops in taxes.

Who started this system? In 1066, William I or William the Conqueror took control of England. He instituted the system.

The Battle of Hastings

Hastings was important because it marks the only time in world history that the British Isles were invaded and conquered.