Feudalism
Feudalism
What is Feudalism? Feudalism: Power shift from kings to nobles Nobles: Received land from the king in exchange for money Land was granted to people for services
Nobles Lords: Second tier in the feudal system ran local manors Owned everything: Peasants, crops, and village Swore Oaths to their king Knights: Some Lords were knights Held courts: Decided punishments for crimes
Manors Manor: Land or fief ran by Lords Center of life Celebrations or protection Large house or castle Small village surrounded house or castle church simple homes crops
Medieval Manor
Vassals and Knights Vassal: Noble who served a higher ranking noble son of a nobleman not all knights were Lords own armor and horse employed people who followed him into battle
Serfs or Peasants Rough life of a serf: Worked 6 days a week lived in simple homes barely enough food to survive owned nothing and pledge loyalty to their lord stayed for protection Gain freedom by running away; for a year Peasant: Some were free Owned business; carpenters, bakers, blacksmiths
Serfs and Peasants Peasants: died young; before 30 Needed Lords permission to do anything
Farming Improvements New technology: wheeled plow/iron blade Horse collar: pull plow (faster than oxen) Wind/water mills: grind grain/pump water Crop rotation: “3-field system” fertile soil
Trade Trade: almost stopped, roads in disrepair lawlessness, no travel Under feudalism, trade increased Venice & Flanders: major trade centers Bartering(trading things) Trade grew, demand for gold/silver grew
City Life Cities narrow, winding streets Tall wooden buildings, close to each other Candles/fireplaces used for light (easy to catch fire) Pollution: air: smoke/ash, Poor water Feces in streets Rat infestations The plague