Feudalism

Collapse of The Western Economy 5th century (400s) Germanic tribes invaded and overran the western half of the Roman Empire. Changed the economy, government, and culture. Disruption of trade A downfall of the importance of cities Population of Western Europe became more rural. a sharp decline in learning. Governments changed: people were now loyal to a chief (lord) rather than public government and written law.

Emergence of Feudalism Feudalism linked military elites, mostly landlords Military elites could afford horses & iron weapons Greater lords aid lesser lords called vassals Vassals provided military service Bureaucracies and states formed Specialization of officials Feudal monarchies in France & England

The Manorial System: Obligations & Alliances Most political organization was local until 10th Century Manorialism Agricultural based economy Centered around the Manor House Landed was granted as fief by a lord to a lesser lord Reciprocal obligations between serfs & estate owners Serfs traded labor for protection by lords owning estates Invention of moldboard (new type of plow) Three-field system (crop rotation)

Summary Feudalism was designed for safety and defense Centered around a central lord Most of the population lived on the manor The system will dominate Western Europe and will eventually move to Eastern Europe

Feudalism Simulation

Directions You are a member of the Realm. The index card determines your role and position. According to your role, travel to the correct area within the realm. (either noble A Side or noble B side) Each member of the realm gets 10 pieces of candy (this represents the payment earned from the harvest) Each peasant must give their vassal 6 pieces of payment (candy) to pay for their protection. Each Vassal or knight is to keep one piece of candy and give the other 5 to their noble or lord to represent their fidelity and loyalty. Each lord can keep 2 pieces of payment from each vassal and give the remaining 3 to the king for payment of the estate and protection, representing their loyalty.

Debate/ Discussion: Was Feudalism Fair? When told to do so move to the corresponding section of the room With your team come up with 5 reasons why feudalism was fair or unfair. Be prepared to defend your position. Other Questions to Consider: What need would the nobles and king have for all that food or material? What choice did the peasants have, if any? Why did feudalism work?

Constructed Response In a paragraph (6 to 7 sentences) Reflecting on your position or role in the feudal activity, Write a letter to your King or Queen expressing your grievances about the Feudal system or expressing your appreciation for the privileges you have due to the system. Remember to mention your position and what you had to give up during the activity. Also discuss if you think it is a fair system in exchange for protection. If you are the King/Queen write a persuasive paragraph to the peasants justifying the feudal system