Feudalism and the Rise of Towns Learning Target 7.33: I can describe the development of feudalism and manorialism, its role in the medieval European economy, and the way in which it was influenced by physical geography (the role of the manor and the growth of towns). Learning Target 7.41: I can trace the emergence of a modern economy, including the growth of banking, technological and agricultural improvements, commerce, towns, and a merchant class.

The Middle Ages Defined After the fall of Rome, Western Europe entered a period known as the Middle Ages, also known as The Medieval Period, which lasted from 400 – 1400 A.D. 500 B.C – 476 A.D The Roman Empire The Middle Ages or Medieval Period 400-1400 The Renaissance (Rebirth) Begins around 1400

The Middle Ages Defined In general, the Middle Ages are defined by a lack of central government, decline of trade, population shift to rural areas, decrease in learning, and a rise in the power of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Rise of Feudalism – Political and Social Organization of Medieval Europe King Vassal (Lord) Knights Serfs and Peasants (90% of population) Oath of loyalty/military support Grant Fief (land) Loyalty/military Shelter/food Labor, rent Shelter/food And protection b7s

Learning Target 7.33 I can describe the development of feudalism and manorialism, its role in the medieval European economy, and the way in which it was influenced by physical geography (the role of the manor and the growth of towns).

B4,5

The Rise of Feudalism – Political and Social Organization of Medieval Europe After the fall of Rome, Western Europe was a scary place! Causes of Feudalism: No large army to protect from invaders Needed social/political order and stability Provide a system of protection The Role of Serfs: They were bound to the land. In other words, slaves. No social mobility! Your place in this feudal pyramid was determined by birth! b6

The Manor System – The Medieval Economic System Sometimes called manorialism Completely self-sufficient (everything that was needed was on the manor) Very little reason to leave or travel beyond your manor

The Manor

The Manor System – The Medieval Economic System The self sufficient manor contributed to the decline of learning. No new ideas were exchanged. Technology was slow to progress. Little use of money. Wealth based on land.

Feudalism in the Middle Ages Social Political Religious Strict social hierarchy based on the feudal pyramid Social status determined by birth Lack of social mobility Code of chivalry Feudalism: kings and nobles exchange land for loyalty and protection Decentralized government People followed religious Canon Law—led by Pope Rise in the power of the Pope and Roman Catholic Church Pope had power of excommunication

Intellectual Technological Economic Decline in learning as population shifts to rural areas Most people were illiterate Priests and monks could read and write—wrote books, mostly religious Technology slow to progress as exchange of ideas decline Most technology was used for military or farming (crossbow, armor, long bow, siege weapons, early guns, heavy plough, water and wind mills, mechanical clocks, stirrups, hour glass, glass, printing press) Manorialism Manor system—completely self-sufficient because it had everything that was needed Little use of money Little to no trade Pay 10% tithe to the church