Aim: Explain the Structure of Feudalism

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AimExplain the Structure of Feudalism Role of
the Manor System?
2
Feudalism Structures Society

• System of governing and landholding called
  Feudalism emerged in Europe
• Political system in which nobles are granted the
  use of lands that legally belong to their king in
  exchange for loyalty and protection from people
  that live on land.
• Feudal System based on rights and obligations
• In exchange for military protection and other
  services, a lord (landowner) granted a fief
  (land)
• Person receiving the fief was a Vassal

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The Feudal Pyramid

• Structure of feudal society looks like a pyramid
• Feudal Pyramid
• Peak reigned the king
• Next was most powerful vassal
• Wealthy landowners
• Serving beneath Vassals were Knights
• At base of pyramid were landless peasants
• Peasants were not slaves
• Most peasants in Middle Ages were Serfs
• Couldnt lawfully leave place where they were
  born

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The Manor System

• The Manor was the lords estate
• Basic economic arrangement
• System rested on set of rights and obligations
  between lord and serfs
• Lord provided serfs with housing
• In return, serfs tended to lords lands and farms
• Manor typically consisted of lords manor house,
  church, and workshops
• Self sufficient community
• Produced everything on land