Feudalism

Key Terms/Concepts

• Feudalism: System in medieval Europe (9th–15th century) where land = loyalty & military service.

• Manorialism: Economic side of feudalism; self-sufficient manors ruled by lords and worked by serfs.

Key People

• Kings: Monarchs owning all land, granting it to nobles for military support.

• Nobles (Lords and Vassals): Lords who rule land from kings; vassals pledge loyalty for land.

Key Events

• The Black Death (1347–1351): Plague that reduced population, weakening feudal relationships.

• The Crusades: Military campaigns that brought new wealth and ideas, reducing feudal ties.

Feudal Hierarchy: Simplified Roles

• King: Grants land, relies on nobles for support.

• Nobles: Rulers of land grant, loyal to kings.

• Knights: Warriors protecting land in exchange for land.

• Peasants: Workers (serfs bound to land & free peasants with small plots).

Reasons for Feudalism's Rise & Fall

• Rise: Chaos post-Roman Empire led to need for order and protection.

• Fall: Population decline (Black Death), rise of towns (money economy), powerful monarchs gaining central control, new wealth from Crusades.

Cause and Effect

• Fall of Roman Empire → Chaos + need for feudalism.

• Viking and Magyar invasions → Increased need for protection (feudal relationships).

• Black Death → Population decline and weakened feudal obligations.

• Rise of towns and trade → Shift to money economy, reducing feudalism’s role.

• Central power by monarchs → Declining influence of feudal lords.

• The Crusades → New ideas and wealth weakening feudal ties.

Facts to Remember

• Feudalism was from the 9th to 15th century in Europe.

• Main classes: King, Nobles, Knights, Peasants.

• Black Death: 1347–1351.

Reference Information

• Manorialism is about self-sufficient estates, while serfs are bound to the land.

Memory Techniques

• Active Recall: Quiz yourself on terms.

• Spaced Repetition: Review notes over time.

• Summarization: Write summaries in your own words.

• Mind Mapping: Visualize connections among concepts.

• Teach Others: Explain material to solidify understanding.

• Flashcards: Use them for key terms.

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