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Early Middle Ages and Feudalism

Early Middle Ages and Feudalism. World History = Libertyville HS. Early Medieval Period Characteristics. Agriculture – subsistence farming Economic Local economies continued (barter, local production) Little international trade until about 1000

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Early Middle Ages and Feudalism

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  1. Early Middle Ages and Feudalism World History = Libertyville HS

  2. Early Medieval Period Characteristics • Agriculture – subsistence farming • Economic • Local economies continued (barter, local production) • Little international trade until about 1000 • Mediterranean cities had contact with Byzantines, Muslims • Vikings traded raw materials for Muslim gold

  3. Early Medieval Period Characteristics • Political = fragmentation • Importance of land as political power • Ownership gave that person power to assess taxes on occupants • System of Feudalism developed as a result

  4. Feudalism • System of power based on exchange of land for service • King promises land • Lords promises services • King owned all land • King gave land to vassals • Vassal = follower of king (counts, barons, etc) • In return for land, lords gave military service to their king • Lords gave land to THEIR vassals (knights), who promised them service in return • Serfs worked land, paid taxes

  5. Feudalism • Nobility controlled all land by building castles • Allowed nobleman to control land, collect taxes, retreat to safety • Power of central states - especially tax collection – became power of castle owner • Ex – Charlemagne died & nobility kept power of taxation for themselves • But by 1000, those same counts, barons had given away that power to THEIR vassals

  6. Problems with Feudalism • Once land is transferred it is almost impossible to get back • Tended to decentralize a state because land was divided equally among surviving sons • Power of state devolved to local warlords • By 1000, though, further subdivision was impractical – reform needed!

  7. Feudalism Reforms • Introduction of Primogeniture • Eldest son inherited all land from father • Younger brothers got nothing (became fortune hunters) • Led to re-centralization and large group of unemployed warriors in Europe

  8. Hierarchy of Feudal System

  9. Chivalry • Idealization of knights • Gave real knights a guide to their actions • Three parts • Chivalry to God • Honor God (protect innocent, church officials) • Chivalry to Christians • Honor fellow christians (mercy, courage, • Chivalry to women • Unifying theme = HONOR!

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