Class

Today in class, we went over our test. I like that because it is a really good study guide for the final. My grade in this class was an 83% but now it is a 85%. This is better than and 83 but it still is not great.

Notes:

A definition….

• Feudalism: a political, military, and economic system based on land-holding and protective alliances

In other words: the system is based on personal loyalty to people who can help you

• RICH DUDE (LORD): "I own land; I need people to help me work it and defend it"
• TOUGH DUDES (VASSALS): "There are a lot of us, we can help the rich dudes hold on to their land"

The Feudal Pyramid

  King

The most powerful VASSALS

(Nobles and Bishops)

Knights- mounted warrior who

received FIEFS for defending their lord's land

PEASANTS(mostly SERFS)

Landless, powerless, moneyless, rights-less

  Just working the land for "the men" (their lord)

Mind your manors

• Manor: the lord's estate
• The lord's manor house
• A church
• Some workshops
• 15-30 families
• All on a few square miles
• Good news: It's a self-sufficient community
• Bad news: It's harsh is you're a peasant

How harsh is it?

• Peasants are poor AND pay taxes
• Tax on grain
• Tax on marriage
• Church tax (tithe=10% of their income)
• They live in crowded cottages
• Live with animals and insects (ewww…)
• Eat VERY simply
• But don’t worry- the Church says this is your lot in life
• God determines you place in society- so chill