Feudalism and Manorialism How did it form?
After Charlemagne Charlemagne dies in A.D. 814 Son Louis the Pious inherits throne Weak ruler Sons fighting A.D. 843 three surviving sons sign Treaty of Verdun – divides empire into three sections Charles the Bald – France (west) Louis the German – Germany (east) Lothair – “Middle Kingdom” – North Sea to Italy (central)
After Charlemagne Invasions – Muslims and Vikings Royal authorities unable to protect their people from invaders Local populations turn to local aristocrats to provide security Land-owning aristocracy working like local government
Feudalism Powerful lords offered protection in exchange for service Personal and Property Vassal – serves lord in a military capacity Rise of cavalry – required ample resources and time Fiefs Land granted to lords Parceled off to vassals (economic support) in return for military commitment
Feudalism - theoretical Provide knights for the king Fight for lords
Responsibilities Vassal Lords Provide military service “Furnish suit” at lord’s court Provide hospitality for travelling lord Financial payments Lords Protection Maintenance (fief)
Manorialism Feudalism depended upon manorialism Landowning nobles and knights comprised military elite – needed time to train Manor – located on fiefs – operated by vassals, worked by peasants
Responsibilities Lords/Vassals Peasants Protection Gave up freedom Legally tied to land Labor
Why not slaves? Christian church “encouraged” freeing slaves Cheaper for landlords to give slaves small parcels Allow them to feed themselves and family in exchange for work The very lowest classes had some upward movement Free peasants lost freedom
Simulation
Simulation Peasants give vassals 60% of their crops in exchange for protection From each peasants payment, vassals keep 1/6 of the payment and give 5/6 to the noble. From each of these payments, the noble gives 3/5 to the king.
Simulation Who gains the most resources? What need would the highest groups have for all of the food and material? What choice did the peasants have? Why did feudalism work?