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Medieval Feudalism
I. (850-950)—The fall of the Roman Empire led to
constant invasion by Vikings, Muslims and
other tribes which caused suffering and
disorder
1. People could not rely on far away rulers for
help (KINGS)
2. Instead, many turned to local rulers for
protection (LORDS)
3.Leaders who provided protection attracted
followers and political strength
4.Feudalism develops because there is NO STRONG
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT after the fall of the Roman
Empire
a.
Feudalism—a social, political, and
economic system based on personal loyalties,
strict social class
II.
New Social Order Emerges:
1. King—Figurehead with
generally no real power
2. Lord—powerful landowners
that granted land
called a fief to vassals in
exchange for a
pledge of loyalty and
service
3. Church Officials—
clergy were very powerful
and highly respected
4. Vassals—a person who
received a grant of
land from a lord in
exchange for a pledge of
loyalty and services
5. Knights—vassals that were
mounted warriors
who pledged to defend their
lords land in
exchange for fiefs
6.
Peasants—workers
* Serfs—peasants who could not leave
the
place they were born -- NOT slaves
but must
work for lord several days a week
in exchange
for the use of a portion of land
to grow their
own crops
Development of Feudalism
CAUSE
FALL OF
ROMAN
EMPIRE
EFFECTS
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