European Feudalism, CE Lesson 7

Mixed Traditions Roman Legacy – Christianity – Social Stratification – Concepts of loyalty, wealth, & entitlement Germanic Traditions – Tribalism & local allegiance – Superstition & fatalism

The Role of the Church Europe after fall of Rome –Politically & culturally fragmented –Church provides unity & common ground –Concepts of time & the future largely apocalyptic The Pope –“Supreme representative of God” Roman & early Christian origins –Only common authority—even kings bow to him What does he control? What do they?

The Church & Society Medieval society was extremely ignorant; Church is sole source of intellectual activity –Literacy & responsibility of clergy –Interpretations very simple & very literal Your primary concern--salvation for your soul (domain of the Church) –Thus, what is the Medieval world view? Importance of symbology – Divine Right of Kings (Charlemagne)

Feudalism Social/political/economic system based on the exchange of loyalties for service- based (feuds) or land-based fees (fiefs) Conditions that allowed for this system: – Lack of security – New military technology – Expense of political survival

The Feudal Arrangement Interested Parties: – Lords: has economic & political power, but needs service – Vassals: one who can provide service but needs political & economic support Vassals swear allegiance and promise labor/military service to lords in exchange for land and protection

Feudalism Expands Over time, feudal arrangements linked less to land, more to political power – Kings to other Kings – Kings to Clergy – Kings to Popes – Popes to Kings

Feudalism & Manorialism Feudalism establishes loyalty for warring classes Warring classes depend on landed estates for economic resources Estates worked by peasants, who are vulnerable to attack Peasants enter feudal arrangement & become serfs

Coercive Labor: Serfdom Peasants & Serfs: laboring classes--about 85% of Medieval society –Peasants: poor landowners or work the lord’s land in exchange for rent--can move if they wish –Serfs: tied to the lord’s land because they owe a debt (economic or political) By 1000, almost 90% of European peasants are enserfed

Women in Feudal Society Feudal society = military society—male-dominated Critical social responsibilities: – financial management of estates – benefactors of religious establishments, charity Code of Chivalry—women idolized Ecclesiastical views: feminine = temptation, evil

Conclusions: Medieval society was dominated by a rigid hierarchy carried over from Roman & Germanic traditions Everyone owed allegiance to someone-- those with the most fiefs had the greatest power The Church dominated everything--cross doctrinal lines and you lose your wealth, your relationships, and (theoretically) your soul

Focus Activity In a paragraph or two, explain the effects of feudalism on European development—what are its impacts on the economy, on social life, on political development, and on interaction with other societies? Turn in before you leave today!