1. SSWH7 The student will analyze European medieval society with regard to culture, politics, society, and economics.

2. a. Explain the manorial system and feudalism; include the status of peasants and feudal monarchies and the importance of Charlemagne.

3. Feudalism A system based on rights and obligations
The king was at the top of the system with landless peasants at the bottom
The peasants, or serfs, were bound by law to stay on the land and grow food and serve those above them
The king in return, was supposed to protect the serfs

4. Manorial System A manor was the king’s estate
A self contained system where the king provided housing and land, and in return the serfs took care of the king’s land

5. Charlemagne (768-843) Emperor of the Frankish Kingdom (Germany)
Was crowned “Roman Emperor” by the pope on Christmas Day, joining Germany with the church
Limited the power of the nobles, developed schools for the wealthy
United most of Western Europe under one ruler

6. Charlemagne Promoted the arts
The end of Charlemagne’s rule spelled the beginning of the feudal system

7. b. Describe the political impact of Christianity; include Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV of Germany (Holy Roman Emperor).

8. Pope Gregory VII
In 1075 Pope Gregory banned the practice of kings appointing Catholic bishops
Bishops held great local power and helped the king control the people through religion
King Henry IV of Germany refused to follow the order and demanded that the Pope resign
The Pope instead excommunicated the King, which caused upheaval and revolts against Henry

9. King Henry IV of Germany
To save his throne, Henry marched across the Alps during winter, and begged for the Pope’s forgiveness
This action helped establish and reinforce papal power over monarchies

10. c. Explain the role of the church in medieval society

11. Medieval Church
The Catholic Church held influence with the ability to excommunicate and interdiction, which when issued, would prevent Christians from going to heaven
Though politically and socially separated the Church unified people through religion

12. d. Describe how increasing trade led to the growth of towns and cities.

13. Growth of Towns and Cities in Medieval Times
Farmers began using horses to plow fields which allowed for more crops to be grown
A greater amount of food allowed for a population explosion, which led to movement into towns and the settling of new towns
Trade from across Europe grew to satisfy the needs of the greater population