Feudalism and the Manor Economy Key Terms Feudalism

Feudalism and the Manor Economy

Key Terms • • • Feudalism Vassal Feudal Contract Fief Knight Tournament Chivalry Troubadour Manor Serf

The Emergence of Feudalism • Organized system of rule in which powerful local lords divided their landholdings among lesser lords – Vassals pledged service and loyalty to the greater lord • Sign a feudal contract • Lord promised to protect his vassal – Vassal who had pledged loyalty to several lords could have serious problems if his overlords quarreled with each other

The World of Nobles • Powerful lords had strongholds including a keep ringed by a fence – Gradually became larger and grander • Noblewomen played active roles in this warrior society – “lady of the manor” took over his duties when he would go off to war • Knights had to adopt a code of conduct called chivalry – Knights had to be brave, loyal, protect their wife, and be true to their world

Peasants and Manor Life • Peasants lived and worked on the manor • Peasants acted as serfs – Repaired roads, bridges, and fences – Peasants had the right to farm several acres for themselves – Lords would protect them from Viking raids or feudal warfare

Peasant’s Self-sufficient World • Manor was generally self-sufficient • Peasants worked long hours – Diet was not good – Slept with any cows, chickens, pigs, or sheep that were on the manor • Disease took a heavy toll – Few lived passed 35 • Celebrated birthdays and weddings, Easter and Christmas

Questions to Consider • What kind of relationship did the lords and peasants have? • What kind of role did women play in society? • Why were conditions so rough for peasants? • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=z. O 8 f 3 Xp. NMg • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=8 Zr. E 1 m. Vc B 2 k