1. Feudalism in Europe

2. Medieval Times
Medieval means “from the Middle Ages” and includes the years from 500 A.D. until 1500 A.D.
As you remember, the Roman Empire was constantly being invaded by different groups after its fall. As time went on, the invading groups set up small kingdoms throughout Europe.

3. His Empire was called the Carolingian Empire
Charlemagne
In 768, a skilled military leader named Charlemagne became king of France and soon expanded his kingdom by conquering most of Western Europe.
During his 45 years of rule, Charlemagne kept Europe united and promoted schools and learning.
His Empire was called the Carolingian Empire

4. After his death, much of the European mainland faced constant warfare & invasions with little protection and lack of government protection.

5. From this chaos the feudal system developed & emerged as the political system to dominate Europe for several centuries.
In your group, discuss what you recall about feudalism. (hint – think Japan!)
Land and military protection/loyalty were the cornerstones of the feudal system. In exchange for land and/or protection people swore loyalty/ service to those who granted this protection.

6. Feudalism
Just like Japan, the European feudal system was set up like a pyramid.
Control was based on land ownership…

7. Over time, Feudalism also spread to Eastern Europe and eventually even Russia!
Feudal system originally developed on a local level as people sought protection from the hazardous and barbaric times.
Largely developed in
W. Europe!
It continued to develop and was eventually utilized by powerful lords and kings to centralize military power and thus create nation-states.

8. A landowner (called the lord) gave a share of land (called a fief) to another man who promised to obey and work for him (this man was called a vassal).
Like a knighting ceremony, the lord and his vassal had a special agreement ceremony where a handful of dirt was given and vows were made!

9. The lord’s main duty was to protect his vassal and the lands
The lord’s main duty was to protect his vassal and the lands. If a vassal died and had young children, the lord became his children’s protector.
Noble women served as “lord of the manor” when their husbands were off at war.
Vassal duties included serving in the lord’s army and paying the lord money or goods when his oldest daughter married or his oldest son became a knight.

10. Peasants and Manors
A lord might rule over one manor or many. A manor was a large piece of land that included a village and farmlands inhabited by peasants. A lord depended on the wealth of his manor.
The manor was self-sufficient, or able to supply its own needs, including food, shelter, and clothing. While most peasants were farmers, the manor would also have a carpenter, shoemaker, metalworker (smith), and other skilled workers.

12. Peasants usually lived in one room huts with very few windows
Peasants usually lived in one room huts with very few windows. They had to build fires on dirt floors, which often filled their homes with dark smoke!

13. The peasants did all the work on a manor. This is called manorialism
The peasants did all the work on a manor. This is called manorialism. They farmed the lord’s fields to raise food for his household. In return, they were allowed to farm a small strip of land for themselves, but still had to give the lord a portion of it!

14. 3. Couldn’t sell the land granted to them
In most cases, peasants were serfs. This means they were considered part of the land.
Serfs duties include:
1. Work their OWN land
2. Work the LORD’S land
3. Couldn’t sell the land granted to them
4. They were technically free- but they were tied to the land on which they lived
5. They could not leave the land or marry without the lord’s permission.
Brain pop: Feudalism

15. Japanese Feudalism
European Feudalism

16. POOR & POWERLESS PEASANTS
Japanese Feudalism
European Feudalism
EMPEROR
SHOGUN
DAIMYO
SAMURAI
POOR & POWERLESS PEASANTS
KING/QUEENS
NOBLES
KNIGHTS
PEASANTS 16