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The Feudal System The Middle Ages. The Feudal System Feudal and manorial systems governed life and required people to perform certain duties and obligations.

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Presentation on theme: "The Feudal System The Middle Ages. The Feudal System Feudal and manorial systems governed life and required people to perform certain duties and obligations."— Presentation transcript:

1 The Feudal System The Middle Ages

2 The Feudal System Feudal and manorial systems governed life and required people to perform certain duties and obligations Feudal system (feudalism)  system of exchanging land for service

3 Origins of Feudalism Originated partly as a result of Viking and Muslim invasions Kings unable to defend their lands and the lands of their nobles Nobles had to find a way to defend their lands Built castles, often on hills NOT elaborate structures  usually build of wood, used as a place of shelter in attacks

4 Knights and Lords Nobles needed trained soldier to defend the castles Knights most important  highly soldiers Mounted knights in heavy armor were the best defenders But its expensive! Had to maintain weapons, armor, and horses Knights demand payment for their services

5 Fiefs and Vassals Knights were often paid in land Land given to a knight for service was called a fief Anyone accepting a fief was called a vassal A person from whom he accepted a fief was his lord Got all that?

6 Feudal Obligations Lord’s Duties Give land Protect from attack Resolve disputes between knights Knight’s Duties Provide military service Remain loyal and faithful Give money to the lord on special occasions

7 Drawbacks to the Feudal System Lord and Vassal Europe’s feudal system was complex Person could be both lord and vassal Some knights with large fiefs gave smaller pieces of land to other knights  created many levels of obligations One knight could serve many lords

8 Drawbacks to the Feudal System Fealty to the King Almost everyone in the system served more than one lord Everyone is supposed to be loyal to the king  not always a reality Some powerful nobles ignored their duties as vassals Feudal rules can change depending on time and place

9 Medieval Power Structure

10 The Manorial System Lords, Peasants, and Serfs Manors owned by wealthy lords or knights Peasants farmed manor fields Given protection, plots of land to grown own food Serfdom Most peasants on a farm were serfs  tied to the manor Not slaves but could not leave or marry without lord’s permission Free People Manors had some free people who rented land from lord Landowning peasants  skilled workers like blacksmiths or millers Also had a priest for spiritual needs

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