1. An Overview of Feudalism in Western Europe Notes 2.3 November ___, 2015

2. Feudalism Feudalism was a political, economic, and social system. It was based on an exchange of land for money, loyalty, protection and food. The king owned the land and leased it out to others to lessen his responsibility.

3. Until towns developed, feudalism was the way people “got” land. The large chunk of land that each noble was in charge of and then split among knights and peasants was referred to as a manor

4. A Manor … it was self sufficient! Fiefs!

5. The manor house was sometimes a small castle. Kings, who owned ALL of the land, lived in castles too.

6. A castle was a fortress, a living space, and a symbol of power. They were first made from wood, then from stone.

7. What do you see?

10. Knights in General -protected the Church and people who were “distressed” -knighthood was earned, not inherited -knights lived by and promoted chivalry, an ideal based on Christianity & a general standard for behavior --the beginning of etiquette!