Section II: Feudalism and the Manor System (Pages 276 - 279)

This section is about: The impact of the Viking invasions on Europe (which led to the Norman conquest of England). The social and economic structure of feudalism in medieval society. Section II: Feudalism and the Manor System (Pages 276 - 279) C

Look at page 276: Main Ideas. The word Feudalism is in there – we heard about that with Japan. Is this the same thing? (there’s a picture on page 277). There are 5 new words in the vocabulary – let’s check those out before we start. C

The Viking Invasions of Europe • The Vikings are from Northern Europe (Scandinavia). • The were called “northmen” or “norsemen” • They were warriors, craftsmen, traders, and travelers (even came to the Americas) • No one knows why, but they started invading people in the 9th century. 1 C

The Crisis of Power in England • By the 10th century, the Vikings had invaded and conquered Charlemagne’s empire (after he was gone) and settled in northern Europe (today called Normandy). • The Norman rulers (William of Normandy) wanted to expand the empire. • King Edward (England – with no kids/heirs) promised William he could have his throne after he died. • But, just before he died, Edward gave it to Harold, Earl of Wessex. C

The Norman Conquest • So William invaded England (1066). • In one battle, Harold was killed. • William marched to London (now called William the Conqueror) and was crowned King of England (on Christmas day, 1066). • This is known as the Norman Conquest of England 2 C

Feudalism 3 • Things changed pretty quick in England • William took land away from Harold’s nobles and gave it to his own warriors (as a reward for their loyalty). • This policy of giving land to people who are under you is known as feudalism. • ……. C

Land Grants and Services 4 • The king would give land (a manor) to a lord or knight. • This manor would be big enough to include a small town or village. • They would promise to be loyal to the king. • The lord could give/share parts of the land to others, but the king still owned it. • Each person who had a portion of land was called a vassal. • More… C

The lord agreed to protect the vassal. • The vassal pledged loyalty to the lord. • The vassal had to pay “rent”, and spend 40 days in the lords military service every year. • You could also be a vassal and a lord – if you were given land, and passed some of that on to people “below” you. • You might even have 2 lords. • The main lord was called a liege lord. • If there were disagreements, battles, or wars, it could get complicated C

Knighthood 5 • The lord of the manor was both a noble and a knight (he had earned his land by being a good warrior for the king). • But being a knight meant much more than that. • Their code of conduct was called chivalry • Had to be loyal, brave, honest, and defend the weak and less privileged. • Being a good knight could mean more land, more vassals, more wealth… • And it took a lot of money to be a knight: equipment, horse, armor, your “peeps” ….. C

Importance of Castles • For protection, kings and lords built great castles. • Had a moat (more protection), areas for the family, for weapons, for horses, for food (everything they’d need for a long attack). • They were often near rivers or important trade routes. • They were also symbols of status and wealth. C

Women in the Middle Ages • Women could own land (until they got married). • Noble daughters were used for political, financial, or territorial gains (married off). • The lord often wanted peasant girls to get married right away – and have lots of peasant kids to work. • Peasant Women: 1 or 2 room cottages and worked in the fields, took care of kids, and cooked (bread, grain, vegetables, cheese, and soup. • Manor Ladies: supervised peasants in the field, supervised food and its preparation, trained to spin/weave/make cloth, care for the sick, entertain, be musical, know how to play games, and take care of the manor when the lord was away. C

The Economics of Feudalism 6 • Wealth was usually measured in land (and more land meant more food). • Most people didn't have any money, so they agreed to work the land in exchange for “rent.” • The landowner would give them protection, and some food, clothing, and shelter. • This system is called manorialism 7 8 C

Peasants 9 • Most people at this time were peasants. • Some were free to move around, but most were serfs (peasants who were legally bound to their manor). • Serfs could even be sold with the land • Most only owned a few tools and some animals. • They were not allowed to leave without the lords permission. • They paid rent in the form of food. • They “agreed” to work part of the week in the lord’s fields. • But the lord would supply them with a place to live and with protection. Do the rest on your own C

Technology Brings Improvements to Farming • By the 11th century, things were a little better (plenty of food and less wars at the time). • There were some new farming inventions at this time • An iron plow • A new harness for animal teams • The idea of rotating crops • Lords began to realize if they didn’t treat their people better, they’d leave, so they started treating them better C

This is the last slide for today Make sure page "C" is completed Horrible Histories: The Viking Report Horrible Histories: Vicious Vikings Horrible Histories: Vicious Vikings: Feud and Funerals Horrible Histories: Nasty Knights: Castle Defenses C

Section II: Feudalism and the Manor System (Pages 276 - 279)