Politics and Dynasties - Feudalism

DECK 2

The 3 orders

1) “Those who pray” - The clergy , responsible fro spiritual guidance and religious authority

2) “Those who fight” - The warrior elite, responsible for military defence and governance

3) “Those who work” - peasants and labourers who sustained society though agriculture and trade

Politics and dynastie: The role of “Those who Fight” FEDUALISM

• Mutual obligations defined by land tenure (holding land in exchange for

service).

• Originated as a practical solution for warlords to control land and maintain

armies.

Politics and dynastie: The role of “Those who Fight” Feudal Politics

• Kingship and nobility became better defined as the Middle Ages

progressed.

• Hierarchy of feudal relationships shaped political power and conflicts.

Politics and dynastie: The role of “Those who Fight” FEUDALISM IN PRACTICE

• Weak central administration; local lords held real power.

• The height of feudalism: c. AD 900–1300.

Politics and dynastie: The role of “Those who Fight” FEUDAL CULTURE

• Elite households formed the basis of noble life.

• Chivalry developed as a code to regulate noble behavior and warfare.

Politics and dynastie: The role of “Those who Fight” FEUDAL WARFARE & DYNASTIES

• Feudal obligations shaped military service (knights owed military duty to

their lords).

• Dynastic struggles often determined leadership, as succession was

unstable.

• No nation-states—only a patchwork of feudal warlords, often under weak

kings.

Politics and dynastie: The role of “Those who Fight” CONCLUSION

• Feudalism developed from weak administration and decentralized power.

• Society was structured around warrior elites, clergy, and peasants.

• Dynastic politics and conflicts were driven by feudal obligations, not

nationalism.