1. The Middle Ages

2. I. The Normans A. Led by William the Conqueror
B. Defeat Anglo-Saxons in 1066
C. Bring to England:
1. French language
2. Social system feudalism
3. Property taxes

3. II. Feudalism King gives barons portions of his land
Knights protect the land
Serfs work the land

4. III. Knighthood Must abide by their code of chivalry
Must be loyal to their barons
May participate in courtly love (serve and adore a lady of the court in a nonsexual relationship)

5. IV. Literature Plays about Bible stories are popular on holidays
Ballads (songs/poems) are recited or sung at home and in alehouses
Stories are written about knights’ adventures—romances
The Canterbury Tales (a collection of short stories) is the first great piece of English literature

6. V. Historical Change
Women had no rights and were always subservient to men.

7. B. The archbishop of Canterbury (St. Thomas) is
murdered in his cathedral by four of the king’s knights.

8. C. The Magna Carta (a precursor to our Constitution) is signed in 1215 to limit a king’s power.

9. Monasteries continued to be the
learning centers; however, monks
reverted to writing in Latin.

10. E. A merchant/middle class developed as the population grew in cities

11. VI. The Black Death Disease spread by fleas B. Wiped out 1/3 of
Europe’s population
C. Serfs leave the
country & move to
cities
D. Brings an end to
feudalism and the
middle ages.