Transcript Act. 3.2 Development of Feudalism in Western Europe

Act. 3.2 Development of Feudalism in Western Europe
--Charlemagne, King of the Franks, is crowned Holy Roman
Emperor by Pope Leo III on Christmas Day, A.D. 800.
--His goals were to unite all of Western Europe and convert all the
Germanic people to Christianity…and did this primarily through
war.
--After his death, the kingdom was divided into three parts…which
weakened the empire’s unity and led to its collapse.
--Vikings from Scandinavia worshiped many gods and did not
value education.
--They were experienced sailors and raided coastal villages
throughout Europe.
--Their power of intimidation kept many Europeans in a state of
terror. Europeans looked to local lords to protect them…which
contributed to the development of feudalism.
The Bayeux Tapestry is a historical record of the conquest of England
by William the Conqueror of Normandy
--Edward, King of England, died without children to succeed him. He
promised the throne to his cousin, Duke William of Normandy. After
his death, there was fighting…between William and two other men who
tried to claim the throne.
--William won…and the Norman culture came to England and changed
Saxon traditions and led to the establishment of the feudal system in
England.
Life on a feudal manor
The keep was designed to protect the lord and his family during
attack.
Motte and Bailey Castle
13/14th century castle
Monarchs
Became weaker after Charlemagne
Remained highest authority
Lords & Nobles
Lived on manors in castles
Included powerful clergy (church leaders)
Hunted, defended manor, oversaw serfs, & settled legal
disputes
Knights or Vassals
Trained warriors who followed the code of chivalry
Exchanged military service for fief (piece of land)
Peasants
Freemen paid lord for use of land and could move
around
Serfs worked land for the lord
Serfs were poor and were prisoners of the manor
King John and the Magna Carta
--The King raised taxes, ordered the building of his palaces,
demanded money for war with France, and had a quarrel with the
Pope. The people were not happy and demanded that he sign the
“Great Charter”.
--It limited his power by mandating the following: no imprisonment
without a jury trial, consultation with lords before taxing, and no
interference with the Church’s authority