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SSWH7 The student will analyze
European medieval society with regard
to culture, politics, society, and
economics.
a. Explain the manorial system and
feudalism; include the status of peasants
and feudal monarchies and the importance
of Charlemagne.
Feudalism
• A system based on rights
and obligations
• The king was at the top of
the system with landless
peasants at the bottom
• The peasants, or serfs,
were bound by law to stay
on the land and grow food
and serve those above
them
• The king in return, was
supposed to protect the
serfs
Manorial System
• A manor was the
king’s estate
• A self contained
system where the
king provided housing
and land, and in
return the serfs took
care of the king’s land
Charlemagne (768-843)
• Emperor of the Frankish
Kingdom (Germany)
• Was crowned “Roman
Emperor” by the pope, joining
Germany with the church
• Limited the power of the
nobles, developed schools for
the wealthy
• United most of Western
Europe under one ruler
Charlemagne
• Promoted the arts
• The end of
Charlemagne’s
rule spelled the
beginning of the
feudal system
b. Describe the political impact of Christianity;
include Pope Gregory VII and King Henry IV
of Germany (Holy Roman Emperor).
Pope Gregory VII
• In 1075 Pope Gregory banned the
practice of kings appointing Catholic
bishops
• Bishops held great local power and
helped the king control the people
through religion
• King Henry IV of Germany refused
to follow the order and demanded
that the Pope resign
• The Pope instead excommunicated
the King, which caused upheaval
and revolts against Henry
King Henry IV of Germany
• To save his throne,
Henry marched
across the Alps
during winter, and
begged for the Pope’s
forgiveness
• This action helped
establish and
reinforce papal power
over monarchies
c. Explain the role of the church in
medieval society
Medieval Church
• The Catholic Church held
influence with the ability
to excommunicate and
interdiction, which when
issued, would prevent
Christians from going to
heaven
• Though politically and
socially separated the
Church unified people
through religion
d. Describe how increasing trade led to
the growth of towns and cities.
Growth of Towns and Cities in
Medieval Times
• Farmers began using horses to plow fields
which allowed for more crops to be grown
• A greater amount of food allowed for a
population explosion, which led to
movement into towns and the settling of
new towns
• Trade from across Europe grew to satisfy
the needs of the greater population