1. Spanish Society

2. Spanish Society Feudal system remained longer than
almost any other European country
Seigneurial system: self-sufficent land given to Nobles by monarchy
By the 16th century nobles
made up the smallest % of
population but held the most
land

3. King
Nobles Priests
Knights
(conquistadors)
Commoners

4. Nobility Ruled their estates almost like monarchs
Land was passed down to
the eldest son
Other sons entered the clergy
or became conquistadors
Judged by social position
rather than achievement or
hard work

5. Nobility Levels of Nobility Minor Nobles Dukes, marquis, counts
Spanish Grande
Dukes, marquis, counts
Highest class
Lesser Nobles
Referred to as Don
Minor Nobles
Referred to as hidalgo
Code of behaviour based on courage in battle
Took part in Reconquista
Nobility

6. Commoners 90% of population Peasant farmers/herders had lowest status
Very few could own land
or save money
Professionals began to
train in religion, law,
medicine or as merchants,
shopkeepers, or aritisans

7. Priests Roman Catholic priests would act as leaders in local parishes
Generally better educated,
though parish leaders came
from less wealthy families
Religious orders operated
basic schools for commoner
children
Parish leaders usually had
many jobs to support
themselves
Higher ranked priests were
similar to nobility

8. Gender Roles Women Cared for household and family
Expected to marry well
Some became writers and
artisans
Divorce was forbidden by the Church
Peasant women would cultivate land when necessary

9. Gender Roles Men Expected to do hard labour Only men could hold
government positions or
run a business

10. Education Before Reconquista, Jews and Muslims
educated sons of nobility
but after, education was linked with the Roman
Catholic Church
Religious studies instead of humanist studies
School was offered at the elementary level for most
Some rural areas educated peasant children

11. Gender Roles in education
Boys and Girls were taught separate skills
Boys Learned Girls learned
Religion Religion
Occupational skills Household skills
(farming, carpentry etc.) (cooking, sewing etc.)
Sons of nobles tutored at Noble daughters tutored at home then went to home or were taught at
university Royal Court
(Art, music, poetry etc.)