The Middle Ages Feudalism in Europe

Key Terms Lord Fief Vassal Knight Serf Manor Tithe

Invaders Attack Invasions destroyed the Carolingian Dynasty. Vikings invaded from the North, raiding villages and monasteries Magyars attacked from the East, coming from present-day Hungary and excellent horsementaking captives as slaves Muslims attacked from the south with goal of conquering and settling in Europe

Protecting Lands Widespread disorder and suffering Kings not able to defend their lands People turned towards local rulers who had own armies, instead of centralized leaders, like kings Rulers that could fight invaders gained followers and political strength

Feudalism System of a king giving land to warriors in exchange for pledge of loyalty to the king Based on rights and obligations A lord, or landowner, gave land called a fief to a vassal , who pledged loyalty to the lord.

Feudal Pyramid

Feudalism Kings were at the top of the pyramid and controlled the kingdom Next on the pyramid was the wealthy landowners such as nobles and bishops who promised protection for the king in exchange for land Knights then promised to defend the lords’ lands in exchange for a fief Peasants were at the bottom of the pyramid and worked the fields in exchange for food and shelter.

Social Classes Status determined prestige and power 3 groups or classes Those who fought (nobles and knights), those who prayed (men and women of the church), and those that worked (peasants) Most people were peasants, and most peasants were serfs Serfs could not leave land where they were born, but were not slaves (could not be bought or sold, and were allowed to live peacefully as long as lord was provided food)

Manors Economic piece to feudalism Manor was the lord’s estate Lord provided serfs with housing, farmland, and protection In return serfs tended land, cared for animals, and tasks to maintain the estate All peasants owed lord a few days of labor per week and portion of their grain

Taxes on Peasants Taxed on all grain ground in the lord’s mill Avoiding tax by not using the mill would be treated as a crime Tax on marriage, and had to be approved by the lord Tithe-church tax of 1/10 of your income

Life of a Peasant

Reflection Describe the purpose of using feudalism.