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

2. 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 or protection
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

3. 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/Serfs

4. The Feudal Manor

5. 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.
It is a system based on the self-sufficient economy of the manor

6. 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

7. 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

8. Famous early medieval leader: CHARLEMAGNE

9. 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

10. 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

11. Crusades

12. The Black Plague