Feudalism

1. Feudalism

2. Kings and Queens Lords and Ladies Knights Serfs and Peasants

3. Kings and Queens • Feudalism was first used by King Charles Martel to create an army to fight the Muslims invading France. • As the feudal system spread, kings and queens began to loose power to the Lords and Ladies. • Kings and Queens gave Nobles certain powers that had traditionally been theirs, like taxation and law enforcment.

4. Lords and Ladies • Lords were given land by the king, or Lords more powerful then themselves. • They were in charge of the manor and were responsible for protecting everyone within the manor. • The Manors included the castle, church, serf’s and peasants homes, and fields. • When the Lords were at war, the manor was run by their wives and daughters. • Vassals were Lords that served a higher ranking Lord. They were given land and protection in exchange for serving in the higher Lords army.

5. Knights • Knights were vassals who were loyal to more powerful lords. • They provided Military service in exchange for land. • Knights fought on horseback and had coats of mail-armor. • They carried swords and shields. • Knights were the most powerful soldiers in Europe.

6. Serfs • Serfs worked on the land that was owned by the Lords, which is called the manor. • They were not allowed to leave the manor, own property, or marry without the lord’s approval. • The worked 3 days a week for the lord and the rest of the week for themselves. • They had to pay the lord to use any of his equipment, like ovens and mills. • To become free, a serf had to run away and remain in town for more than a year. They would then become peasants.

7. Peasants • Peasants were similar to serfs, except they were free. • Toward the end of the Middle Ages, serfs could become peasants if they bought their freedom from the lord. • Peasants worked long hours. They got breaks on feast days, when they would go to church. The most important feast days were Christmas and Easter.