1. The need for Heavy Cavalry leads to a new governmental system
Feudalism
The need for Heavy Cavalry leads to a new governmental system

2. Heavy Cavalry
Charles Martel decided to raise an army of heavy cavalry in response to the threat of Muslim Invasion
But armored knights are expensive, So
He gave warriors manors with enough land so that they could afford to have a horse, arms, and armor…
this is called a fief
In return the warrior promises to serve in battle days a year, a Knight!

3. Victory
Charles new army is a success and a Muslim invasion is stopped in 732 at
The Battle of Tours
His son Pepin and his Grandson…
Charlemagne
Use this new army to add Germany, Northern Spain and Italy to the Frankish Kingdom.

4. Charlemagne’s Empire In 800 the Pope crowns Charlemagne
“Holy Roman Emperor”

5. Feudalism
During this time Charles Martel’s system develops into … Feudalism
The King grants large fiefs to Great Lords like Dukes and Counts
They promise in return “homage” that is to supply a certain number of armed knights and other things
They become the King’s vassals and he their overlord

6. The Great Lords in turn grant smaller fiefs to barons in return for homage
The Barons in turn grant manors as fiefs to Knights in return for homage.
The Knights rule over the people as lords of the manor.
This Feudal/Manorial system is spread over most of Europe by Charlemagne
In 843 Charlmagne’s grandsons divide the Empire and it becomes France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Belgium etc.