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Constant threats made a centralized govt. impossible. People looked to local leaders. Feudalism A military and political system based on land ownership and personal loyalty Decentralized form of government Lord – landowner (promised to protect vassal)
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Constant threats made a centralized govt. impossible. People looked to local leaders. Feudalism • A military and political system based on land ownership and personal loyalty • Decentralized form of government • Lord – landowner (promised to protect vassal) • Fief – land granted to the vassal (included serfs, towns, buildings) • Vassal – person receiving the land (promised loyalty, 40 days of service, $ and advice) • Person could be a vassal and a lord Feudal Pyramid • Hierarchy – King, Lords (vassals), Knights, Peasants • Problem – Conflicting loyalties
Serfs • Peasants bound to the land • Basis for a king’s wealth • Had to pay the Lord’s taxes and a church tithe (1/10 of income) Manor System • Lord’s estate • Self contained • Economic system • Set of obligations b/w the Lord & serfs • Lord – land, housing, & protection • Serfs – took care of the estate
Noblewomen • Lady of the Manor • could have to go to war • Eleanor of Aquitaine • 50 year Influence (France & Eng) Inheritance • Land usually passed to the oldest son • Marriage negotiations for a unmarried or widowed heiress
Boys • Age 7 started knight training Girls • Spin and weave • Supervise students • Bear children • Faithful to her husband
Chivalry • Code of behavior that applied to nobles • Brave, loyal and true to their word • Ex: allow armor to be put on, captured knights could be released if they promised to pay their own ransom • Women on a pedestal
Peasant Life • Sunup to sundown • Hunger & disease • Few lived past 35 • Simple diet • Livestock slept with the family