The Development of Feudalism in Western Europe

Chapter 2

2.1 Introduction
With the fall of Rome came an economic & political system called feudalism. Lords = rulers Knights = armed warriors Peasants = those who work the land Why did this feudal system become necessary for those living in western Europe?

 After the fall of Rome, Europe was left with no central government or defense.

2.2 What Was Western Europe Like During the Middle Ages?

What Was Charlemagnes Empire?

The Franks were the first to come up with the idea of the Knight (armed soldier on horseback). What does a knight receive for fighting for a ruler or lord? Land and privileges Clovis defeated the last great Roman army, expanded the Frankish Empire, and led the Franks to Christianity.

Clovis being baptized

Frankish Knight

Cont.
Charlemagne was king of Franks from 768-814. In 800, Pope Leo III crowned him Holy Roman Emperor, thereby uniting the Christian lands of Europe. What does the Popes blessing imply about the king? Made it seem as though God had chosen Charlemagne.

64 tall

Progression of Charlemagnes Empire

Less than 30 years after he died

Why Was There a Need for Order and Protection?

3 main groups threatened western Europe in 9th & 10th centuries: Who do you think they are? Muslims from Near East & Africa Magyars from Asia Vikings from Norway & Denmark
Magyar Warrior

Muslim Warriors

Viking Warrior

Where were they all coming from?

2.3 Feudalism: How Did It Establish Order?

Why did it develop? By 1000 C.E. feudalism had developed to provide safety & a stable social order. Who was at the top of the system? Monarchs (king): owned all land Lords (kings vassals): king gave them land Knights (lords vassals): soldiers Peasants: rented land Serfs: tied to the land

Cont.
Lords & knights lived on manors, which included castle, village, & farmland. What do you think their main job was?

2.4 What Were Monarchs?

Monarchs believed in the divine right of kings, that God gave them the right to rule. How do kings get soldiers? Most had to rely on vassals (nobles) for soldiers. In 1066, when William (Duke of Normandy) defeats his cousin Harold at Hastings & b/c king of England, feudalism began in England.

Combatants at the Battle of Hastings

Versus

William The Conqueror

King Harold

Battle of Hastings

2.5 What Were Lords and Ladies During Feudal Times?

They were members of the highest-ranking class in medieval society. What Were Manor Houses and Castles? Manor houses were often surrounded by stone walls or moats. Whats a moat? Manor house was the center of the community. Served as a place for protection and celebration. What do kings live in? Kings and high ranking nobles lived in castles, which were built to protect and show power.

Manor Houses

How are the castles different?

Elements of a castle

What Were the Responsibilities and Daily Life of Lords and Ladies?
Lords main job was to manage & defend his land and the people who worked it. Women could hold fiefs and carry out the same duties as noblemen. Ladies were responsible for raising kids & overseeing household (which could include 100s of people). How did Nobles enjoy free time? How was life uncomfortable for nobles?

2.6 What Were Knights During Feudal Times?

Knights had some wealth, suit of armor, and a horse. How Did One Become a Knight? Started out as a page at age 7. Learned riding, religion, dancing, music, etc. Became squire at 14. Was knights laborer and learned to fight. What do you think they learned to fight with? In their 20s, they would be knighted.

Medieval knights sword

A Knights lance

A Knights battle-axe

A Knights mace

A Knights armor

What Were the Responsibilities and Daily Life Of Knights?

A knights most important form of training was chivalry. They were expected to be loyal to church and lord, to be just and fair, and to protect the helpless. Knights were often involved in jousts and tournaments. Why do you think knights were no longer effective after the 17th century?

Knights armor in the 11th century

Horses armor in the 16th century

16th century Knights armor

2.7 What Were Peasants during Feudal Times?

Most people were peasants, who supported the entire feudal system by working the land. They could either be free (rented land), or serfs (had to work lords land). What do you think they spent most of their time doing? Most peasants raised crops, but some were craftsmen. Serfs paid heavy taxes to their lords. What do you think their houses were like?

Serfs House