Feudal system
stratification
an arrangement or classification
feudalism
basis by which the upper nobility class maintained control over the lower classes
Why did the king have to respect lords
because if they banded together, they could be powerful
class
category of things that have some property in common and that differentiate from others in some way
divine right
right to rule granted by god and then passed on through heredity
hierarchy
a system in which people or groups are ranked one above another according to an accepted set of criteria
what were the ratios of upper to lower class
1:9
What triggers the start of the middle ages
476, western empire of rome conquered by barbarians. Have a bunch of kingdoms with no form of government
Describe the kings role in the feudal system
Kings can't govern their land efficiently. Gave barons a fief of land to rule in exchange for support and an army
In what ways did everyone want security during the Middle Ages
Kings want control over their land, so they hire lords to help them. Peasants want protection from barbarians
Describe the church's role in the feudal system
Serfs give money to the church to gurantee a spot in heaven. They make lots of money. They have to pay the lord to stay on land. King has to respect church because of divine right
what type of economy is in the feudal system
agrarian: revolves around farming
social class
a grouping of a social hierarchy
halimote
a manorial court formed by peasants during the middle ages in which they made bylaws that governed the villager's actions
What is necessary for the feudal system to take place?
a single king with an abundance of land and a need for security
Describe the free peasant
had independent businesses and paid rent for using the land
describe the indentured peasant
lived on the land for free in exchange for their work
When did feudalism take place? What were the dates of this time period?
middle ages 476-15th century
Shield money
money given to the king by lords to pay for a mercenary if they can not provide one
was feudalism a law?
no, a custom
Describe the lords role in the feudal system
ruled over fiefs and serfs
Describe the serfs role in the feudal system
serfs tended to land in exchange for the opportunity to live on it and benefit from its security
What hold does the church have over kings
they can excommunicate people from the church: strip kings of their divine right
What type of political body did serfs have
village court with 12 village representatives and a representative of the lord
