1. Effects of Feudalism Miss Arnold West Middle School
Binghamton, New York

2. Let’s Investigate the effectiveness of Feudalism…
We can do this by following the steps of the GHPPA!
Step 1: Identify the Problem
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Step 3: Determine the Causes
Step 4: Evaluate the Policy

3. Summary of Steps 1-3 of the GHPPA
After the Roman Empire collapsed, Europe was divided into many small kingdoms ruled by different kings. This was the beginning of the Middle Ages and ranged from about 455 A.D. and continued until about During the Middle Ages societies were organized in a system called Feudalism. In this system, the people had no vote about anything. They had to obey and pay "overlords".

4. Summary continued…
Three social classes existed during the Middle Ages. The Nobility, or upper class, controlled the lands and did all the fighting. The upper class included kings, counts, dukes and knights. The clergy were the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church and included bishops, priests, nuns, and monks. The serfs, or lower class, were peasants who lived on the manors and tilled the soil.
(Retrieved from:

5. Pyramid of Power in Medieval Times To learn more, watch this video
Pyramid of Power in Medieval Times To learn more, watch this video! Just click on the following link: Feudalism Video

6. What do you think???
What do you notice about the numbers of people at each level on the pyramid?  Which levels had the most people?  Which had the fewest?
Who on the Pyramid had the most power over their own lives and those of others?

7. Step 4 of the GHPPA: Evaluate the Effectiveness of Feudalism
Work with a partner to evaluate the policy by completing Worksheet 4
Discuss your findings and select a format below to present your evaluation.
Oral Presentation
You and your partner will discuss the Pros and Cons of Feudalism
Role Play
You and your partner will choose social role(s) from the “power pyramid” and present your views on Feudalism from that perspective. Be sure to discuss advantages and disadvantages.

8. For more information, check out the Resources below!
Role Play assistance
Social Roles worksheet to get you thinking
Organizing an Oral Presentation
Feudalism
More information on the Feudal System