Feudalism

How did it begin? Charlemagne dies His kingdom breaks down The strong central government and authority that existed under Charlemagne is GONE. Western Europe was getting invaded by Vikings from the north, Magyars from the west, and Muslims from the south No central power = Localized defense

What is Feudalism? The Political and Social System during the Middle Ages. It provided a social class system in which you were BORN into.

Who was at the top? THE KING!  He grants land to nobles Nobles grant land to knights The nobles and knights rule the peasants or serfs that work the land.

Powerful local lords divided their large land and had lesser lords control it. Lesser lords are sometimes called Vassals.

Relationship between Lord and Vassal Lord Gives Vassal land or estate sometimes called a fief. The estates ranged in size and included towns, buildings, peasants or serfs. The lord gives their vassals protection and in return the vassal pledges loyalty to the Lord and gives him military service

Knights Professional warriors who served in a Lord’s army. Their training began at the age of 7 and lasted until the age of 21. It was extremely difficult and grueling. Chivalry-Code that required knights to be brave, loyal, and true to their word.

Chivalry raised women to a new status in the Middle Ages. It called for women to be protected and cherished. Troubadours which were wandering poets began the idea of including women in chivalry.

What was the role of Peasants in feudal society? The peasants were the farmers and laborers They provided the lord with labor and he allowed them to live and subsist on what they grew.

What was the role of Serfs in feudal society? They belonged to the land and could not leave. It was the closest form to slavery in the Middle Ages.

Feudalism in Japan Shogun: Supreme military commander. Yoritomo Minamoto was appointed shogun in 1192. 1st of three military dynasties that ruled Japan for almost 700 years.

Shogun controlled small portion of Japan . He distributed land to vassal lords who were called Daimyo The Daimyo then distributed land to lesser warriors called Samurai Samurai followed a code of beliefs and values known as Bushido – honor, bravery, and absolute loyalty to the lord ShogunDaimyoSamuraiPeasants