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Manor Moat Serf Free Peasant. Key Terms - Feudalism. Feudalism Lord Vassal Fief Investiture Primogeniture Chivalry Manorial System. Background - Feudalism.
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Manor Moat Serf Free Peasant Key Terms - Feudalism • Feudalism • Lord • Vassal • Fief • Investiture • Primogeniture • Chivalry • Manorial System
Background - Feudalism • With the constant invasions by foreign tribes into France, the French kings were forced to bribe the foreign invaders to prevent them from constantly attacking their lands. • The first feudal contract occurred in 911 between Charles the Simple and King Rollo of the Vikings. • Feudalism → system of government in which pledges of loyalty were given in return for land and protection.
The Parts of Feudalism • Kings used the armies raised by nobles to fight outside invaders. • The nobles were considered lords or those who had land to give. • To supply the king with the armies he needed, lords would give small pieces of land known as fiefs to people of the lower classes. • These people who received land were known as vassals. • This fief could be passed down via primogeniture → idea that the eldest male inherits the family property. • Vassals, in exchange for the land, were to: • Provide at the least 40 days of military service • Feudal aids (house lords, provide food, pay for dowries and knightings)
The Knight • Knights → armored warriors on horseback. • A person would begin training to be a knight at age 7. • Person would be taught how to horseback ride, forge and maintain armor, and learn to use spears and swords. • Knights would also be trained in chivalry → code of conduct for knights • By age 21, the person would have acquired the training to be knighted.
The Manorial System • The economic system between lords and vassals was known as the manorial system. • The land was the most important part of this economic system as it provided living space and crops with which to pay rent and taxes. • This economic system was based around the manor → collection of the lord's house and all the property on the lord's land. • Lords would surround their houses with a moat → ring of water used to slow invasion.
Serfs vs. Free Peasants • Serfs → peasants who were bound to the land. • Serfs were forced to do all of the labor on large farms, were usually given small tracts of land that were barely enough to survive. • Serf could become free if he stays off of the manor for 366 days. • Free peasants → lower class workers who were not bound to the land, could come and go as they pleased.