Medieval Feudal System, Vassalage, and Key Historical Figures

How did the vassal relationship affect ideas about citizenship?

A vassal was loyal to the king and received payment in the form of land for good citizenship.

How did chivalry promote justice during the medieval ages?

Chivalry was a strict code that knights followed to fairly and justly protect people.

What were two positive effects of the feudal system?

Security and protection, self-sufficiency with the manor.

What were two negative effects of the feudal system?

Inequality: serfs lived in poverty while nobles gained wealth and power, limiting social mobility.

What were the two stages of preparation for young men to become knights?

1. Youth (pages) studied religion, science, history, and learned skills like fencing and riding. 2. Pages became squires, personal servants of knights, as teenagers.

What place was the center of life for the nobility?

Life was centered around the Manor.

What are four major elements of the feudal system?

1. Owning land (king owned land). 2. Kings granted land to lords for crops and military service. 3. Lords served as the king's vassals. 4. Social ranks: Nobility, Clergy, Freeman, and Serfs.

Who were the Franks?

The Franks were a Germanic people.

Who was Clovis?

Clovis was the 'King of the Franks' who conquered and united Frankish tribes.

What was the Merovingian house?

The Merovingian house divided the kingdom among Clovis' sons.

Who was Pepin II?

Pepin II became the mayor of a strong Frankish state and reunited almost all Frankish territories.

Who was Charles Martel?

Charles Martel, son of Pepin II, won fame by defeating Muslims at the Battle of Tours.

Who was Charlemagne?

Charlemagne was the ruler of the Franks.

What was the Treaty of Verdun?

The Treaty of Verdun split Charlemagne's kingdom into three smaller kingdoms after his death.

Who inherited west Frankland?

Charles the Bald inherited west Frankland.

Who inherited east Frankland?

Louis the German inherited east Frankland.

Who inherited the land between east and west Frankland?

Lothair inherited the land between east and west Frankland.

Who were the Vikings?

The Vikings were the most feared invaders and skilled seamen who pillaged towns.

Who was Henry the Fowler?

Henry the Fowler was the first Saxon ruler in Germany.

Who was Otto I?

Otto I, son of Henry the Fowler, is often called 'the Great'.

What was the Holy Roman Empire?

The Holy Roman Empire was the new title of the German empire due to its alliance with the Roman church.

Who was Frederick I?

Frederick I, also called Barbarossa, sought to restore the glory of the Holy Empire.

Who was Frederick II?

Frederick II was the grandson of Frederick I and a patron of arts and culture.

What was the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle?

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle traces the history of England from Roman times to Alfred's day.

Who was Hugh Capet?

Hugh Capet became king, ending the rule of the Carolingian monarchs and founding the Capetian House.

What is feudalism?

Feudalism is a political system where local rulers offer protection in return for services.

Why were the Angles and Saxons able to establish independent kingdoms in Britain?

They were able to invade because the Romans stopped occupying the Celts in Britain.

How did King Alfred gain the title 'the Great'?

He defeated the Danes, built a navy, strengthened local government, and promoted education.

What happened after King Alfred's death?

The Danes renewed their attacks, and England fell to the Danish, but the Anglo-Saxons later drove them out.

Why did William of Normandy invade England?

He claimed Edward the Confessor promised him the throne.

What was the significance of the Battle of Hastings?

William the Conqueror's victory determined the period's dynasty.

How did William the Conqueror establish centralized rule?

He required feudal nobles to swear loyalty to him and appointed bishops in his kingdom.

What was the Domesday Book?

The Domesday Book was a survey that collected information about people's property.

What was the Ile-de-France?

Ile-de-France was the small area of land fully controlled by the Capetian kings.

How did Philip II Augustus expand his territory?

He deprived King John of England of his lands in France.

What were baillis?

Baillis were local feudal officials who increased the effectiveness of the royal government.