What is the difference between Serfs/Peasants and the Bourgois /Middle Class?

1. What is the difference between Serfs/Peasants and the Bourgois/Middle Class? You must make a chart showing the differences between the Serfs and the Bourgois. Here is an example:

2. Ownership • Serfs could not own their own land. They worked for a Lord and were not allowed to leave. They had to give a portion of their money/products to the Lord. • The Bourgeois were able to buy their freedom and could work wherever they liked. They could keep what they made for themselves.

3. Protection • Serfs had the protection of their Lord during times of war. • Bourgeois had no protection. They had to fight to protect themselves.

4. Movement • Serfs had to stay on their Lord’s land and could not move to towns. They were very isolated and dependent on the Lords. • Bourgeois moved to towns where they could trade and sell their goods. They were less dependent on Lords.

5. Taxes • Serfs had to pay very high taxes to the Lord. • The Bourgeois paid lower taxes when they lived in towns.

6. Business • Serfs were never allowed to make their own buisness. • Bourgeois were allowed to establish their own buisness, or shop.

7. Rights • Serfs had no rights and had to follow the rules of the Lord. • The Bourgeois had guilds. Guilds were created to protect workers and their shops. They told who could build a new shop, they covered any damage to the shop, and controlled the prices, wage, and quality of the products.

8. Army • The Bourgeois could choose to work in the army. • Serfs were not allowed to work in the army.

9. Trade • Serfs could not participate in trade. They had to stay on the land of the Lord. • Bourgeois could trade with other merchants. They participated in town fairs.

10. Class • During the time of the Bourgeois, another class was created: The Middle Class. • During the time of the Serfs, only three classes existed: Clergy, Nobility, and Peasants.