What is the difference between
Serfs/Peasants and the
Bourgois/Middle Class?
You must make a chart showing the
differences between the Serfs and
the Bourgois.
Here is an example:
• Serfs could not own
their own land. They
worked for a Lord and
were not allowed to
leave. They had to give
a portion of their
money/products to the
Lord.
• The Bourgeois were
able to buy their
freedom and could
work wherever they
liked. They could keep
what they made for
themselves.
Ownership
Protection
• Serfs had the
protection of their
Lord during times of
war.
• Bourgeois had no
protection. They had
to fight to protect
themselves.
Movement
• Bourgeois moved to
towns where they could
trade and sell their
goods. They were less
dependent on Lords.
• Serfs had to stay on
their Lord’s land and
could not move to
towns. They were very
isolated and dependent
on the Lords.
Taxes
• The Bourgeois paid
lower taxes when
they lived in towns.
• Serfs had to pay very
high taxes to the
Lord.
Business
• Serfs were never
allowed to make
their own buisness.
• Bourgeois were allowed
to establish their own
buisness, or shop.
Rights
• Serfs had no rights
and had to follow
the rules of the Lord.
• The Bourgeois had
guilds. Guilds were
created to protect
workers and their
shops. They told who
could build a new
shop, they covered
any damage to the
shop, and controlled
the prices, wage, and
quality of the
products.
Army
• The Bourgeois could
choose to work in
the army.
• Serfs were not
allowed to work in
the army.
Trade
• Serfs could not
participate in trade.
They had to stay on
the land of the Lord.
• Bourgeois could trade
with other merchants.
They participated in
town fairs.
Class
• During the time of the
Bourgeois, another
class was created: The
Middle Class.
• During the time of the
Serfs, only three classes
existed: Clergy, Nobility,
and Peasants.