1. Feudalism
Definition of Feudalism: “A social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and the use of land in return”

2. Feudalism Discovery Ed- Feudalism
Small kingdoms, called fiefs, developed throughout Europe
Fiefs divided people into certain groups

3. Kings It was believed that God chose kings to rule the land
Because there was too much land for the king to govern by himself, he granted land to his allies to control
In return for the land, the landowners (Dukes and Earls) would send knights to serve in the king’s army

4. Nobles/Lords
Nobles spent most of their time trying to conquer new lands or protecting their own land
Clergy (people working in the church) had a lot of wealth and power
Nobles and lords were expected to help protect the land for the king if it was threatened
They were also in charge of protecting serfs and peasants

5. Knights A knight was a professional warrior
Knights were vassals. This means they received land in return for protecting their noble or king’s land
They trained from a very early age
Knights are expected to follow the code of chivalry. This means they were supposed to be brave, fair, and treat others with respect

6. Serfs/Peasants
Provided labor in exchange for land to live on and protection
They were poor and lived in small huts in poor conditions
Serfs could never earn enough money and were in a constant cycle of poverty
Serfs had little rights and were not allowed to leave the land