1. FEUDALISM Feudalism Defined 3 Functions of Feudalism Definitions
The Feudal Contract

2. FEUDALISM
During most of the Middle Ages, life was based on an economic, political, and social organization called Feudalism.
There were mutual agreements between the groups involved and it was very effective.
Peasants made up 90% of the population. This structure is very similar to the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy.

3. Another Feudal Pyramid

5. Feudalism had 3 main functions:
It regulated the distribution of land and, therefore, wealth.
It ensured protection of all people of a territory.
It provided a structure which determined each persons place, rights, and responsibilities in society.
This system was heavily influenced but Germanic tribes as tribal warriors swore and oath to their chief in return for protection and goods from the chief.

6. DEFINITIONS:
Three primary elements characterized feudalism: lords, vassals and fiefs.
A lord was a noble who owned land.
a vassal was a person who was granted possession of the land by the lord.
The land was known as a fief.
In exchange for the fief, the vassal would provide military service to the lord. The obligations and relations between lord, vassal and fief form the basis of feudalism.

7. THE FEUDAL CONTRACT
The bond between lord and vassal was recognized in a formal ceremony.
1. The vassal would kneel and place his hand within the hands of the lord.
2. The vassal pledged his loyalty and service to the lord.
3. The lord accepted the oath with a kiss and granted the land to the vassal.
4. The lord presented a handful of earth or a wooden stick as a symbol.

8. In Class…
Take notes from your textbook ( ) on the following members of society in a Feudal System:
Kings
Lords
Knights (use purple box on p. 303)
Serfs
Complete questions 1 and 3 on page 305.