Unit 8 The Early Middle Ages Day 2 – Standard 9b Feudalism & the Manor System

Learning Objectives Obtain an understanding of Feudalism & the Manor System. Learn how Feudalism & the Manor System work, and how it affected the social, political, and economic systems of the Early Middle Ages.

Feudalism and Manorial System

Feudal Society and Manorial System (9b) During the Middle ages people had little protection against invasion, so they entered into feudal agreements with land-holding lords who promised them protection Repeated invasions over hundreds of years shattered Roman protection over the empire Feudal society developed in response to the need for protection from outside invasions

Feudal system was based on mutual obligations - people got protection for their services (work) Feudal society consisted of: Monarch – (King/Queen) was at the top of Feudal Society. They control all the land in the Kingdom. Lords – The Monarch broke up their kingdom and gave each section of land to a Lord/Nobel. The lord owed his allegiance and his knights to the king. Fief: The lord then broke his land into smaller portions known as Fiefs. The lord then gave this out to his vassals. Vassal: person that received a fief and now owes an obligation. Some were knights, some had other jobs. Knights are vassals to the lords and lords are vassals to the king. Knights – Mounted warriors that fought for their lord. Serfs: peasant bound to work on a manor

Majority of people were peasants and most were serfs Serfs could not lawfully leave place where they were born Though bound to the land, they were not slaves; their lords could not buy or sell them Wealthiest were the Monarch, then nobles and bishops, and then knights

Feudal obligations Lords (landowners) granted fiefs to vassals In exchange, the vassals pledged their loyalty, military service and protection of the people that lived on the land

Manorial System During Middle Ages (9b) Manorial system was basic economic arrangement during Middle Ages It was based on a set of rights and obligations between a lord and his serfs Feudalism was the political system, Manor System was the economic system. Manor was a large estate that had everything necessary for life. The dark ages caused many cities and towns to collapse. Characteristics of most manors Rigid class structure with inherited social classes Warriors: nobles and knights; Church people: men and women of the Church Workers: peasants

Harsh life for peasants Self-sufficient Lord provided protection, home, & land Serfs & peasants raised everything for daily life Manors consisting of the lord’s manor house, a church and workshops Harsh life for peasants Paid heavy taxes, needed lord’s permission to marry, and paid a tithe to village priest

Feudal Society