The Middle Ages
The beginning of the Middle Ages (AKA Dark Ages) Fall of Rome – No central power to provide order Many Peoples invaded the area Social and Economic Chaos Loss of education, literacy Trade Declined Cities were abandoned Moved to towns, villages
Rebuilding Society Feudalism (political system) Manor system (economic system) Rebuilt Trade and Infrastructure
Feudalism Form of government based on exchange of land for protection and services
Feudalism Hierarchy- Descending power and authority Social Class system- Inherited Well defined Investiture- Loyalty and Service secured by Oath (contract)
Feudal Class System Lords – Nobles that were given lands by king to maintain in return for service (Landlords) Knights- Lesser Nobles that were also given lands to maintain in return for service Serf- Worked the land and could not leave (Indentured) Peasants- Worked the land but could leave (Freemen)
How Feudalism Works King or Nobel gives control of a piece of land (Fief) to another Nobel (Vassal) in return for service and taxes Fief- is a piece of land given to a vassal by a lord to manage and protect. Vassal- Anyone who pledged their loyalty and service to another in return for a grant of land. Nobles can then divide up land further to other Nobles (Knights) or peasants/surfs in return for service and taxes
Vassals Most noble vassals were knights: Professional horse soldiers Vassals provided military service and paid taxes to lords Mostly taxes were paid in crops Ultimately everyone was a vassal of the king
Feudal Structure
Feudal Structure
Feudal Structure
Feudal Structure
Manor system Basic economic arrangement within Feudalism Revolved around the manor or large estate of the lord Based on set of rights and obligations between serfs and lords
Manor system Lords protected land Peasants farmed the fields Serfs were legally tied to the land
Manors: Self-Sufficient Community Manor Had: Fortified house/castle Village Fields for crops Pasture for animals Church Mill to grind grain Blacksmith.
Growth of Towns People in Towns Asked for Charters Written documents assuring rights Formalized relationship to lord Merchants set up Headquarters in towns Middle class began to grow (Between Peasants and Nobles)
Trade Guilds Association of merchants and artisans that governed town Controlled prices/wages in town Set standards Regulated Trade Trained Members Apprentice Journeyman Master (Join Guild)
Economic Changes Regained Control of Mediterranean Rebuilt Roman Roads Trade system re-created Trade Fairs Meet for several weeks to trade each year Business grew to support