1. Feudalism and Manorialism
How did it form?

2. After Charlemagne Charlemagne dies in A.D. 814
Son Louis the Pious inherits throne
Weak ruler
Sons fighting
A.D. 843 three surviving sons sign Treaty of Verdun – divides empire into three sections
Charles the Bald – France (west)
Louis the German – Germany (east)
Lothair – “Middle Kingdom” – North Sea to Italy (central)

3. After Charlemagne Invasions – Muslims and Vikings
Royal authorities unable to protect their people from invaders
Local populations turn to local aristocrats to provide security
Land-owning aristocracy working like local government

4. Feudalism Powerful lords offered protection in exchange for service
Personal and Property
Vassal – serves lord in a military capacity
Rise of cavalry – required ample resources and time
Fiefs
Land granted to lords
Parceled off to vassals (economic support) in return for military commitment

5. Feudalism - theoretical
Provide knights for the king
Fight for lords

6. Responsibilities Vassal Lords Provide military service
“Furnish suit” at lord’s court
Provide hospitality for travelling lord
Financial payments
Lords
Protection
Maintenance (fief)

7. Manorialism Feudalism depended upon manorialism
Landowning nobles and knights comprised military elite – needed time to train
Manor – located on fiefs – operated by vassals, worked by peasants

8. Responsibilities Lords/Vassals Peasants Protection Gave up freedom
Legally tied to land
Labor

9. Why not slaves? Christian church “encouraged” freeing slaves
Cheaper for landlords to give slaves small parcels
Allow them to feed themselves and family in exchange for work
The very lowest classes had some upward movement
Free peasants lost freedom

10. Simulation

11. Simulation
Peasants give vassals 60% of their crops in exchange for protection
From each peasants payment, vassals keep 1/6 of the payment and give 5/6 to the noble.
From each of these payments, the noble gives 3/5 to the king.

12. Simulation Who gains the most resources?
What need would the highest groups have for all of the food and material?
What choice did the peasants have?
Why did feudalism work?