THE MIDDLE AGES: A QUICK OVERVIEW Dr THE MIDDLE AGES: A QUICK OVERVIEW Dr. Afxendiou Global History and Geography 9 Sachem North High School

Feudalism Social and political system found in medieval Europe Brought about by the collapse of strong central government with the fall of Rome It is based on the exchange of land in return for military service Social organization - unequal class system based on BIRTH in a particular group Political system characterized by decentralized government – local rule by lords over their manors Economic part of feudalism – manorialism; focus is on the manor, an agrarian (agricultural) system

THE FEUDAL CLASS SYSTEM The King Gives land to the nobles Give loyalty and support The Nobles Give land to lesser lords and knights Give loyalty and military services The Knights Allow peasants to work their land Give labor, services and products The Peasants

The Feudal Manor

manorialism : Economic portion of feudalism where all aspects of life were centered on the lord’s manor including peasant villages, a church, farm land, a mill, and the lord's castle or manor house.

The Church – most important institution United the people of Europe in a common belief system Competed with kings and emperors for power over the people Guided the peoples’ everyday lives

Characteristics of the Middle Ages Feudalism – political system and class structure The manor system No strong central government Strong role of religion Very little trade

The Crusades – a key event Catholic Europe of the Middle Ages united to free the Holy Land from the Muslims Succeeded in freeing Jerusalem for a short time Was the beginning of mistrust between Christians and Muslims

Results of the Crusades The Europeans learned many new things from the Muslims – new products and technology were taken back to Europe Increased demand for these goods Increase in trade – led to middle class developing in cities Increased interest in learning