Exam Review Topic: Early Middle Ages and the Crusades Exam Date: Wednesday – March 28th
Early Middle Ages Political System: Feudalism Economic System: Manorialism Power was based on possession of land Social status was determined at birth – rigid class structure (Limited social mobility)
Feudalism Rose because of weak central governments People gave up land and rights for protection Land was exchanged for military service and obligations Decline in education – resulted from the fall of Rome
Knights Drawn principally from the nobility – Weapons/Equipment were expensive
Roman Catholic Church Provided unity, stability, and order in Europe Very well organized and provided services for the people Monks preserved classical western culture Anti-Semitism increased
Crusades Tension increased between Christians and Muslims Demand for Eastern goods increased Trade increased Feudalism weakened