Download Document

Feudalism
Medieval Systems
Feudalism
A political system in which nobles are granted the
use of lands that legally belong to their king, in
exchange for their loyalty, military service, and
protection.
 It 1st developed in Japan under a military head
called a Shogun and successful warrior families
administered the country in exchange for land and
titles.
 It also developed in western Europe during the
Middle Ages as a system of local defense against
invaders.

Development of Feudalism
Rome fell in 476CE as a result of invasion by the
Germanic tribes.
 Central government broke down and trade
was disrupted.
 Cities were abandoned and population centers
shifted to rural areas.
 Christianity remained a major unifying force
throughout most of western Europe.

Development of Feudalism
The lack of centralized government created the
need for a new social order.
 Ties of personal loyalty and family bound
Germanic peoples together.
 Common needs for economic self-sufficiency and
local protection led to a new pattern based on
land ownership.
 The manor became the main economic unit.
Church leaders helped to integrate community life.
 The feudal system developed with a king at the
top and mutual duties linking local lords, vassals,
and peasants.

Medieval Systems
Roman Catholic Church
The Church influenced behavior in villages, cities,
and even the government on Catholic nations
such as France and Spain. The church sought to
convert non-Christians and increase its power.
 Priests were involved politically as members of
lord’s courts and socially as officials at civil
ceremonies including knighthood.
 Kings in Catholic nations regularly sought council
from senior members of the church hierarchy.
 The power of the Catholic Church prompted some
to challenge its doctrines during Protestant
Reformation.

Family life in the Middle Ages
People in the Middle Ages lived in extended
families
 Families contributed in agriculture activities to
support the family
 Education was usually limited to clergy and
elite

Feudal Pyramid
Political and Social Impact of Feudalism
It arose in Europe out of the chaos after the fall
of Rome. It provided security and protection in
a period of great turmoil.
 Social System – society was divided between
the king, nobles, knights, and serfs. Lords gave
land to vassals in exchange for service.
 Political System – the king rules with the advice
of his leading nobles. The nobles served the
king with their knights, armed warriors on horses.
