Feudalism Manor Life p 242 247 Feudalism p

Feudalism: Manor Life p. 242 -247

Feudalism (p. 242 -247) 1) What did lords give knights? p 2) What were the lord’s duties? p 3) What were the vassal’s duties? p 4) Who started feudalism? p 5) How/where did it spread? p 6) Describe the life of a peasant & serf? p 7) What was the role of women? p 8) What led to the growth of towns? p 9) What caused feudalism to decline? p 10) What are the pros and cons of feudalism? (This isn’t in the book, just your own impressions) p

Lords give Knights p land

Lord’s duties Military help to vassals under attack p Resolve disputes p Punish misbehavior p Collect taxes p

Vassals duties Fight for lord during war p Give money for special occasions p (could become a lord if he gained enough land) p

Who started feudalism? Franks

How did it spread? 1000’s knights spread it to N. Italy, Spain, Germany. Then E. Europe 1000’s into Britain by William the Conqueror conquered England. Defeated them @Battle of Hastings. Gave estates to knights who helped.

Role of Women Fewer rights Obey fathers or husbands Ran manor when husband away Some unique women could have power: Eleanor of Aquitaine – French vassal, French queen, British queen (two later sons became kings of England) Nuns

Growth of towns 100’s Better farming techniques (heavier plows, horses to pull plows) leads to more food. More food leads to larger population Larger population & trade lead to larger towns.

Decline of feudalism Knights demand money instead of land Serfs & peasants leave land & go to towns

Pros/Cons Feudalism Pros: Cons: Organize society (out of chaos) Bad life for a peasant of serf Basic needs of society met – food, housing, protection Some selfish lords or vassals take more from peasants who can barely survive (ie. Robin Hood) Lords get food without a lot of work Vassals provide protection for lords & land Lords battle for power, resulting in instability and bloodshed Serfs can’t even leave their land without permission!