Chapter 13, Section 2
FEUDALISM IN
EUROPE
NEW INVASIONS
 After
the Treaty of Verdun
 Constant Fighting
– Invasions by Magyars,
Muslims and Vikings
 *While the Vikings launched
repeated assaults on W.
Europe, causing fear and
disruption, they also created
trade routes and settlements
FEUDALISM
*The political system that
developed in Europe, which
provided the framework that
allowed the people to survive the
breakdown of central
government and order.
*Lasted for 600 to 800 years
because the system clearly
organized people’s rights and
duties
FEUDALISM
Military and political system
based on land ownership and
loyalty.
 *The growth of feudalism in
Europe during the Middle Ages
was primarily due to the
collapse of strong central
governments because aristocrats
provided some law and order in
exchange for service

FEUDALISM

System based on mutual
obligation
– *Relationships among groups of
people were clearly defined in
social classes because weak
national government lacked the
ability to provide law and order.
LORD - Noble Landowner
 FIEF – piece of land
granted by the Lord

FEUDALISM
Lord-grants a fief in
exchange for military
protection & other
services.
Vassal-person who
receives the fief
Knight-defended Lord’s
land in exchange for a
fief
FEUDALISM
SERFS – Peasants
bound to the land.
*Despite being bound to
the land, their strong
Christian faith kept
them from leaving the
harsh conditions
Could not be sold
*FEUDALISM*
 Serfs
(peasants) paid
high taxes & had a
harsh life
 Tithe-10% of income is
given to the church
 Fiefs are inherited by
the eldest son. Effectyoung sons live with a
relative & remain
unmarried (undesirable
b/c poor)
FEUDAL PYRAMID – SOCIAL
AND POLITICAL
• *Society is based on
social classes
• *European feudal system
relied on the labor of
peasants to support other
social classes in exchange
for
• *Protection from the
invaders
• *Settlement of
disputes
• *Distribution of food
*Manor Economy
Manor – The Lord's estate
 *Agriculture is the major economic factor because of
the availability of arable land
 *Self Sufficient–
had to produce everything they needed on the manor

*Three Field System

Divided the field
into 3 parts.
– One field grew soil
depleting crop
– One field grew soil
replenishing crop
– One field rested

Allowed them to
produce more
crops
MANOR
 *Manorialism
develops as the
economic system
because of the lack of
trade and selfsufficient
communities
Feudalism
Lord gives land, shelter,
and protection to serfs in
return for work.
 Owning land gives power,
wealth, and position
 *The development of
feudalism and manorialism
filled a void that was
created by the loss of the
Roman imperial
protection.

Horrible Histories-Medieval War
THE AGE OF CHIVALRY
CHAPTER 13 SECTION 3
Created by J. Kinley
Increased warfare in Europe
Feudal Lords were forced to defend their manor.
Knights were rewarded with fiefs
WARRIORS ON
HORSEBACK
Mounted Knightsmost important
part of the army.
• Saddles & Stirrups important technology for
mounted warfare.
•
Horrible Histories-I’m A Knight
*KNIGHTS CODE OF
CHIVALRY*
Chivalry=Code
of Ideals
1. Fight Bravely
*KNIGHTS CODE OF
CHIVALRY*
2. Devote yourself
to feudal Lord,
heavenly Lord, &
your chosen Lady.
3. Loyal, Brave, &
Courteous
Horrible History
Knight’s Tournaments- ”mock battles”
Castles



Stone castles were encircled
by massive walls and guard
towers
Castle was the home of the
lord and lady, their family,
knights, and servants
It was a fortress designed for
defense
*“The development, architecture and building of
these great fortresses changed as time progresses,
influenced by important historical events such as
the crusades and technology of seige warfare”
Role of Women
*Church viewed women as inferior to men,
and were expected to be obedient to men.
 Noble women could inherit land from her
husband
 When the husband was off to war, the woman
could run the castle
 But women could not receive land as a reward
in exchange for military service

Quick Review
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What political system developed in Western Europe, which
provided the framework that allowed the people to survive
the breakdown of central government and order?
Why did manorialism develop?
Draw the feudal pyramid
What role did aristocrats have in the development of
feudalism?
Why did feudalism last for 600-800 years?
Despite being bound to the land, what kept the serfs from
leaving the harsh conditions on the manor?
Why was agriculture the major economic factor on the
feudal manor
Quick Review
Define self sufficient
9. What farming practice developed on the feudal manor?
10. Define mutal obligation
11. What was the role of women during the Middle Ages?
12. What type of architectural defensive structure developed
during the middle ages?
8.