Transcript Chapter 10: Medieval Kingdoms in Europe

Chapter 10: Medieval
Kingdoms in Europe
Lesson 1 - FEUDALISM
I. The end of Charlemagne’s Empire…
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After Charlemagne’s death in 814 his kingdom (basically modern
western mainland Europe) was divided into 3 sections & given to his
grandsons to rule; local NOBLES gained power while the 3 rulers
fought each other…
B. In the 9th & 10th centuries western Europe experienced a wave of
invasions; the Vikings were the most aggressive group (aka
“Norsmen”) ; the Vikings were warriors & great shipbuilders & by the
9th century they had conquered many inland European areas &
establishing their own areas of rule throughout Europe…many
converted to Christianity & assimilated into European civilization.
Their aggressive efforts were a large threat to the safety of the
people of Europe & their presence helped bring down the remnants of
Charlemagne’s Empire & led to the emergence of feudalism (people
looked to local “lords” for protection).
A.
II. Development of Feudalism
FEUDALISM – a political & social order of the Middle
Ages; emerged as a result of the inability of royal
governments to defend their subjects – and instead –
nobles offered protection and land in return for service.
 B. Knights were an important part of the feudal military
called the cavalry (soldiers on horseback); because of
their military service knights gained a lot of social
prestige & formed the backbone of European aristocracy.
 C. Vassals were any men who served a lord in a military
capacity. Sometimes the King would give the best vassals
land – called a fief – which led to political power &
economic success.
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A.
Feudal Contract
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D. The lord-vassal relationship was a vehicle that bound the
greater and lesser landowners together. Under this feudal
contract there was an implied servitude between the groups but
the major obligation of a vassal to his lord was to perform military
service; and the major responsibility of the lord to his vassal was
to grant him land and to protect him militarily (provide horses,
armor, weapons, etc.)
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Serfs and peasants were the lowest members of feudal society.
Serfs in the middle ages were generally peasant farmers who
provided manual labor in their master's land. The peasants would
pay the lord some dues (in the form of labor) in exchange for
using part of the lord's land to generate their own food. They
could not own land and had no social mobility or political power.
III. Nobility of the Middle Ages
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A. During the feudal Middle Ages NOBLES were the “landed aristocracy”
any king, duke, count, baron or bishop who owned large estates of land –
and also held considerable political and social power as well.
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B. The NOBILITY developed a code of conduct called “chivalry” which
became their standard of civilized behavior. They took an oath to defend
the Catholic church and defenseless people (serfs) and were expected to
treat captives with honor, as well as treating women with respect.
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C. Women could legally hold property under feudal rules, however, most
spent their lives under the control of men until marriage & then they
became the “ladies” of the estate, managing the affairs of the castle
including the financial affairs. They were expected to be subservient to
their husbands, however, some women overcame that stereotype &
gained some power in their own right (exception… not the rule).
Feudal Organization Chart