Feudalism Basics
Why did feudalism develop?
People needed protection as political power became fragmented after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Who spent much of their time farming crops?
Peasants/Serfs
What was the main job of most peasants?
Growing crops and raising animals.
Who led the Catholic Church?
Pope
What city was central to many Crusades?
Jerusalem
Who was the ruler of a kingdom?
The king or monarch.
Who was trained to fight and serve a powerful lord?
Knights
What did peasants commonly pay to landowners?
Rent/Crops
Who commanded armies and made royal laws?
King
Who called for the First Crusade in 1095?
Pope Urban II
What did lords grant to vassals?
Land or income rights.
Who controlled large estates and often owed military support to rulers?
Nobles
What did armed forces provide to people living on the land?
Protection
What were tithes?
Contributions to the church
What happened in Jerusalem in 1099?
Crusaders captured the city
What did vassals owe their lords?
Loyalty and service.
Which group faced restrictions on leaving the land?
Serfs
Why did kings depend on nobles?
To help govern and defend their kingdoms.
What was excommunication?
Exclusion from the church
Name one positive and one negative effect of the Crusades.
Positive: increased trade or cultural exchange. Negative: death, destruction, or religious hostility.
Explain how land, loyalty, and protection worked together in feudalism.
Lords granted land or income rights, vassals provided loyalty and service, and armed forces helped protect land and people.
A person controls a large estate, receives labor from farmers, and promises military support to a ruler. Who are they?
Noble
What was a major difference between the lives of kings and serfs?
Kings ruled kingdoms and enjoyed greater wealth and authority; serfs worked land and faced restrictions on their freedom.
Why did kings and popes sometimes fight over bishops?
Bishops were religious leaders and powerful landholders, so both wanted influence over their appointments.
How did the Crusades affect feudal power?
Some nobles sold or mortgaged property to finance crusades, while some rulers expanded taxation.